Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • Who are the members of PM Sharif’s new cabinet?


Who are the members of PM Sharif’s new cabinet?

Newly elected Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari inspects the honor guard at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 11, 2024. (Press Information Department (PID)/REUTERS)
Short Url

https://arab.news/4qpsn

Updated 12 March 2024
Follow

Who are the members of PM Sharif’s new cabinet?

  • Federal cabinet comprises Sharif family loyalists, veteran politicians and former ministers 
  • Shaza Fatima Khawaja only women in cabinet, HBL CEO set to become finance minister 
Updated 12 March 2024
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif picked a 19-member federal cabinet on Monday comprising loyalists of the Sharif family, veteran politicians, former ministers and only one woman:

Senator Ishaq Dar

Dar, tipped to take over as foreign minister, is a four-time finance minister and last served in that position in Sharif’s previous government from September 2022 till August 2023. The senator is one of the closest aides of the Sharif family and his son is married to the daughter of Sharif’s elder brother, Nawaz Sharif. 

During Dar’s previous tenure as finance minister, Pakistan’s rupee weakened significantly against the US dollar and the country’s reserves shrunk to unprecedented lows before Islamabad secured a last-gasp bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was saved from debt default. 

Khawaja Muhammad Asif

A veteran politician from Sialkot, Asif is one of the most senior members of Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and last served as defense minister from April 2022 till August 2023. He is expected to get the defense portfolio again. 

In the past, Asif has also served as Pakistan’s minister of water and power, petroleum, sports as well foreign affairs and also chaired the privatization commission from 1997-99. 

Asif began his political career after getting elected to the Senate of Pakistan in 1991. He was a member of the National Assembly from 1993 to 1999 and again from 2002 to 2018 and till date.

Azam Nazeer Tarar

A leading Supreme Court lawyer and close Sharif aide, Azam last served as law minister from April 2022 to August 2023 and is expected to take over the portfolio again. He was elected to Pakistan’s Senate in 2021 and will serve as a member of the upper house of parliament till 2027. 

Muhammad Aurangzeb

The chief executive officer of Pakistan’s largest bank, HBL, Aurangzeb is the top choice for finance minister whose top priority will be negotiating a new bailout deal with the IMF and controlling inflation. 

Ahsan Iqbal 

Iqbal, a key Sharif family aide and longtime PML-N member, served as planning minister during Sharif’s previous stint as prime minister. He was also the federal minister for interior from August 2017 till May 2018 when Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was the prime minister. 

Dr. Musadik Masood Malik 

Malik served as petroleum minister during the last Sharif government and has previously also served as a special assistant to the prime minister on water and power. During his stint as petroleum minister last year, Pakistan procured crude oil from Russia for the first timee.

Ataullah Tarar 

Ataullah is the PML-N’s deputy secretary-general and previously served as the prime minister’s special assistant on interior during Sharifz’s stint as prime minister. He has also served as a former home minister of Pakistan’s most populous and political important Punjab province. He is expected to be given charge of Pakistan’s information ministry. 

Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi

The current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), media mogul Naqvi was caretaker chief minister of Pakistan’s most populous Punjab province from January 2023 to February 2024. He is the owner of the City News Network media house and is believed to be close to President Asif Ali Zardari and army chief Gen Asim Munir. 

Naqvi is tipped to head Pakistan’s powerful and prominent interior ministry, which tackles security challenges and often becomes embroiled in cracking down on the political opponents of incumbent governments. 

Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui

Siddiqui leads the Karachi-based Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) political party and served as federal minister for information technology from 2018 to 2020 in former prime minister Imran Khan’s cabinet. 

Abdul Aleem Khan 

A real estate tycoon and owner of the prominent Pakistani TV channel Samaa, Aleem was once a close aide of ex-PM Khan but became a key rival and launched his own Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) comprising many of Khan’s closest past associates. 

Rana Tanveer Hussain 

A vice president of the PML-N party, Hussain has served as federal minister for education, defense production and science and technology.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain 

The son of veteran politician and former Pakistani prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Salik is a former federal minister who headed the Board of Investments and Special Initiatives during the last Sharif cabinet. 

Shaza Fatima Khawaja 

The only woman member of the new cabinet, Shaza is a niece of former defense minister Khawaja Asif and previously served as special assistant to the prime minister on youth affairs. She has also taught International Relations and Political Science at the prestigeous Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). 

Jam Kamal Khan 

Khan served as the 16th chief minister of Balochistan from 2018 to 2021. A former leader of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Jam joined the PML-N in November 2023. 

Amir Muqam 

A senior leader of the PML-N from Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Muqam served as adviser to the prime minister on political and public affairs in the last Sharif cabinet. 

Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari 

Leghari is a former lawmaker who served as a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly from 2002-07, 2011-13 and 2013-18. His father, Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari, was Pakistan’s president from 1993-97. 

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh 

A businessman-turned-politician, Sheikh is a veteran leader of the PML-N party. 

Ahad Khan Cheema 

A former civil servant and senior bureaucrat, Cheema served as a member of the last Sharif cabinet as an adviser on establishment. In 2018, he was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in an inquiry related to the Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme. 

Riaz Hussain Pirzada

Another PML-N leader, Pirzada has previously served as human rights minister and minister for inter-provincial coordination.

Topics: cabinet members federal cabinet

Punjab administration orders shortened school hours due to looming heatwaves

Updated 17 May 2024
Follow

Punjab administration orders shortened school hours due to looming heatwaves

  • A notification orders schools to ensure all fans are in working condition and water coolers available
  • Provincial government has also announced summer vacation for all schools from June 1 to August 14
Updated 17 May 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: The provincial administration of Punjab announced on Friday it would cut short the usual timings of all public and private schools for the rest of the month amid rising temperatures and warnings from the Meteorological Department of impending heatwaves in the coming weeks.

Just a day earlier, the Met Department warned that a major heatwave was set to engulf much of the country next week, with daytime temperatures expected to rise four to six degrees Celsius above the average.

It also predicted dust storms and heavy rains in various parts of Pakistan, including Punjab.

“In the wake of severe weather, it is hereby notified that following School timings shall be observed in all Public and Private Schools in the Province of Punjab with effect from 18th May to 31st May, 2024,” said a notification circulated by the provincial education department, showing 7 AM as the starting time and 11:30 AM as the finishing hour.

It instructed the schools to end classes at 10:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.

The notification also instructed the school authorities to ensure that all fans were in working condition, water coolers were available and no student was made to sit in uncovered and open spaces like lawns in summer season.

Another notification also announced that all the schools in the province will remain closed from June 1 to August 14 for summer vacation.

“All schools in the province shall reopen with effect from Thursday 15th August, 2024,” it added.

In recent years, Pakistan has experienced extreme weather patterns, including unprecedented rains, flash floods, droughts and heatwaves.

Experts attribute these erratic weather patterns to climate change, placing Pakistan among the ten countries most vulnerable to its impacts.

Topics: heatwave Punjab School Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan’s army chief vows full support for hockey team after silver medal win in Malaysia

Updated 17 May 2024
Follow

Pakistan’s army chief vows full support for hockey team after silver medal win in Malaysia

  • The national hockey team reached the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final for the first time in 13 years
  • The Pakistani players were also hosted and praised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week
Updated 17 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir vowed on Friday to fully support the national hockey team while meeting with its players and applauding them for winning a silver medal in the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hosted the Green Shirts in Islamabad in recognition of their outstanding performance at the tournament, where they reached the finals for the first time in 13 years.

Sharif praised the team’s performance and reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting sports, particularly hockey, in the country.

The army chief also praised the squad during the interaction with its players in Rawalpindi.

“The hockey team has brought immense pride to the nation, and we are committed to providing them with comprehensive support to ensure their continued success,” he was quoted as saying in a statement released by the military’s media wing, ISPR.

He also extended his best wishes to the players for their future endeavors.

Cricket has generally overshadowed other sports in Pakistan, including hockey, in terms of popularity and media attention.

This is despite the fact that hockey is the country’s national sport and has a rich history of international success. Yet, it has not received the same level of sustained interest or investment as cricket, with the disparity impacting its development and visibility within the country.

Topics: Pakistan hockey team Azlan Shah Cup

England captain Buttler buoyed by return of ‘superstar’ Archer ahead of Pakistan series

Updated 17 May 2024
AFP
Follow

England captain Buttler buoyed by return of ‘superstar’ Archer ahead of Pakistan series

  • Injuries have blighted Jofra Archer and he has not played top-level cricket for the past year
  • Buttler says he relies on Archer who has a trick up his sleeve in every cricket tournament
Updated 17 May 2024
AFP

LONDON: England white-ball captain Jos Buttler is glad to see “proper superstar” Jofra Archer back in action following the fast bowler’s wicket-taking return to action for Sussex’s 2nd XI.

Injuries have blighted Archer’s international career and he has not played top-level cricket for the past year.

England, however, have recalled Archer for the defense of their T20 World Cup title in the United States and the West Indies next month, with the paceman also selected for the upcoming warm-up series against Pakistan.

Archer continued his build-up to the four-game series against Pakistan by turning out for Sussex’s second string on Friday.

He was parachuted into the match on day four, taking the new ball and returning figures of 1-11 in six sharp overs in Kent’s second innings at Beckenham.

The 29-year-old, previously playing domestic cricket in his native Barbados, hit home opener Ekansh Singh on the helmet and then had him caught in the slips.

Archer will join the England squad in Leeds ahead of the first Twenty20 international against Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday.

Buttler, who returned early from the Indian Premier League to oversee England’s World Cup preparations, told Britain’s Press Association news agency: “It’s a huge encouragement for him to be back and see him ready to play.

“Everyone knows what he is capable of and the attitude he possesses. As a captain he is someone you can always turn to in a game because he always has a trick up his sleeve.

“It’s great to be able to call on him but it’s important to manage expectations. He has been out of it for a while now so we will need to look after him and realize that it might just take him a little while to be the Jofra of 2019.”

Dynamic batsman Buttler added: “He is a proper superstar but we do have to be smart with him. It’s a jump in intensity from what he’s doing now to international cricket and you can’t really replicate it.”

Topics: Jos buttler

Leading fintech outlines vision for affordable remittances for Pakistani users at Dubai summit

Updated 17 May 2024
Follow

Leading fintech outlines vision for affordable remittances for Pakistani users at Dubai summit

  • Unencumbered by traditional banking infrastructure, top JazzCash official sees fintechs offering greater financial inclusion
  • Murtaza Ali says women already constitute 30 percent of JazzCash customers and 17 percent of its lending users
Updated 17 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

KARACHI: The top official of a leading Pakistani fintech told a summit in Dubai on Friday financial platforms offered by companies like his could boost remittances to the country, making these transfers more affordable and remotely accessible while making the platforms pivotal for millions of local households.

JazzCash, a mobile wallet and branchless banking service provided by a major telecom operator in Pakistan, was originally launched as “MobiCash” in 2012 before it was rebranded four years later.

Earlier this week, it announced a partnership with the United Arab Emirates-based financial service provider, du Pay, for smooth cross-border payments, saying the collaboration, powered by Western Union, would allow Pakistani nationals to send money directly to JazzCash mobile wallets.

According to a statement issued by the company, the JazzCash head, Murtaza Ali, spoke about the financial inclusion provided by fintech organizations while discussing their impact on the country’s economic landscape.

“Detached from traditional limitations like bank branches and agent networks, digital remittances can reach even remote, low-income households, empowering them to participate in the formal financial system,” he told the participants of the Dubai summit.

The Gulf nation hosts a vast Pakistani expatriate community and holds the distinction of being the second-largest contributor of remittances to Pakistan after Saudi Arabia, with $548 million transferred to the South Asian country in March.

Ali also revealed that women constituted 30 percent of JazzCash customers, 17 percent of lending users, 23,000 merchants and 6,000 agents.

“These encouraging numbers reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing female participation in its services,” he added.

The statement informed he also praised Pakistan’s central bank, telecom authority and financial regulatory agency for their collaborative approach that propelled digital and financial inclusion across the country.

“With a large unbanked population and a cash-dependent SME [small and medium enterprise] sector, we anticipate exponential growth,” it quoted Ali as saying. “Our roadmap involves leveraging data for risk assessment, venturing into Insurtech, and further integrating financial services into everyday transactions.”

Topics: Jazz Dubai Summit JazzCash Veon Moblink Arab News Pakistan Fintech in Pakistan Dubai

Government says eight entities interested in Pakistan’s debt-ridden airlines amid privatization drive

Updated 17 May 2024
Follow

Government says eight entities interested in Pakistan’s debt-ridden airlines amid privatization drive

  • The deadline for submitting expressions of interest to participate in PIA’s divestment ended at 4 PM on Friday
  • The Privatization Commission is now carrying out the pre-qualification process in line with the laid-out criteria
Updated 17 May 2024
KHURSHID AHMED   

KARACHI: The Ministry of Privatization on Friday named eight business entities that have expressed interest in acquiring stakes in the state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that has faced significant financial difficulties and repeatedly urged the government for bailouts in recent years.

Pakistan agreed to overhaul its public sector entities under a $3 billion short-term loan package it signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year to avert a sovereign debt default.

The IMF recommended the government privatize the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) whose losses were burning a hole in the country’s finances amid its already precarious economic situation.

According to the ministry, the deadline for submitting expressions of interest to participate in PIA’s divestment process ended at 4 PM today.

“In response to the Invitation of Expression of Interest (EoI), for Divestment of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), published advertisement in leading national and international newspapers on 2nd & 3rd April, 2024, Privatization Commission has received Statement of Qualifications from (1) Fly Jinnah, (2) Air Blue Limited, (3) Arif Habib Corporation Limited, (4) Sardar Ashraf D. Baluch – SHANXI CIG Co. Ltd. (China), (5) Gerry’s International (Private) Limited, (6) Consortium Lead by Y.B. Holdings (Private) Limited, (7) Consortium Lead by Pak Ethanol and (8) Consortium Lead by Blue World City,” it announced.

“Privatization Commission will now carry out the pre-qualification process in line with the criteria laid down in the RSOQs [Requests for Statement of Qualification], under the PC Ordinance 2000 and rules & regulations framed thereunder,” it continued. “Accordingly, the pre-qualified parties will be invited for the next stage of bidding process.”

The privatization of SOEs is proving to be a challenging process. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated earlier this week his government would not sell public entities it deemed “strategically important.”

Prior to this, the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization, affirmed the government would continue to retain essential or strategic SOEs.

Contrasting these views, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who is negotiating with the IMF for a fresh loan, declared that there was “no such thing as a strategic” public entity, indicating his intent to keep the privatization process comprehensive.

Topics: PIA Pakistan privatization Arab News Pakistan

Latest updates

Hezbollah uses new weapons in Israel attacks
US bike shops boomed early in the pandemic. It’s been a bumpy ride for most ever since
US officials held indirect talks with Iran on avoiding regional escalation: report
Coach Thomas Tuchel says he’s still leaving after talks on extending Bayern Munich stay fell through
How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.