Unexpected faces in Pakistan’s cabinet raise questions

Shehbaz Sharif's government has increased cabinet members to 50 after completing the first year of its five-year tenure. The Cabinet Division issued notifications for the new federal ministers two days ago.

However, multiple sources have revealed that many members of the newly formed federal cabinet had no prior knowledge that they would be included in the list. Some names were added at the very last minute, while others were removed from an initial list. The secrecy surrounding the final list and oath-taking ceremony suggests efforts to maintain tight control over the process.

Journalists familiar with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) modus operandi have differing opinions about the inclusion of several new faces.

Notably, the party broke its long-standing tradition of not appointing first-time National Assembly members to the cabinet, by appointing Barrister Aqeel Malik and Bilal Azhar Kayani as ministers of state.

Leadership’s choices

An analysis of the official notification suggests that federal ministers Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Muhammad Junaid Anwar were the unanimous choice of the PML-N leadership. Ali Pervez Malik and Raza Hayat Hiraj were reportedly selected by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while Hanif Abbasi was a joint pick by Shehbaz Sharif and powerful circles.

Sardar Yousuf, a longtime ally of Nawaz Sharif, was considered Nawaz’s personal choice. Rana Mubashir Iqbal, meanwhile, is said to have been chosen by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s son, Hamza Shehbaz. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, niece of PML-N parliamentary leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif, was reportedly acceptable to both party leadership and influential circles.

Coalition allies and power players

The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), led by Khalid Magsi, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)’s Mustafa Kamal were also included in the cabinet, with their selections believed to have been guided by the powerful circles in Islamabad.

Muhammad Moin Wattoo, from Okara, replaced Riaz ul Haq in the final list. Riaz ul Haq was reportedly favored by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, but Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prioritized Wattoo instead.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, a former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member, played a key role in passing the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which likely influenced his selection in the cabinet.

Ministers of state and advisors

Among ministers of state, Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan, a close relative of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, secured a prominent position. He gave his constituency NA-132-II to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the 2024 general elections, and after Shehbaz Sharif left the constituency, he succeeded and reached the National Assembly.

Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju and Aqeel Malik were believed to be backed by powerful quarters, while Bilal Azhar Kayani had the support of Nawaz Sharif and Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Kesu Mal Khel Das was personally congratulated by Nawaz Sharif on his appointment. Talal Chaudhry, a long-term PML-N loyalist, despite not receiving a ticket in the general elections, was ultimately given a ministerial role in the new cabinet. Muhammad Aun Saqlain, from the Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP), was also among the new appointees and is being considered as the choice of powerful circles.

Wajiha Qamar, a former PTI member who backed the government in the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan, replaced Nousheen Iftikhar, who was initially on the list.

Advisors and special assistants

Among key advisors, Dr. Tauqeer Shah and Muhammad Ali were notable picks. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, who left the PTI, was also appointed. All three appointments were being speculated as the choice of 'influential circles' in the capital.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is believed to have pushed for Haroon Akhtar as a special assistant. Mubarak Zeb, who supported the government on the 26th Amendment, was reportedly a joint choice of the premier and 'powerful circles'.

Huzaifa Rehman, who transitioned from journalism to politics, was personally selected by PM Shehbaz Sharif. Talha Barki, known as the caretaker of Shehbaz Sharif’s NA-123 constituency, was also among the prime minister’s picks.

The process of finalizing the cabinet has raised questions about political maneuvering within the PML-N and the extent of external influence on key appointments.