ISLAMABAD - The expected reshuffle of the federal cabinet this week has been further delayed due to strong lobbying by certain federal ministers whose portfolios are going to be changed, The Nation learnt reliably yesterday.
Fawad Hussain Chaudhary, who in recent months has got confidence of the Premier, has sought time from the Prime Minister for consultations for the position of federal information minister.
Senator Faisal Vawada’s name is also being considered for an important cabinet slot, and reportedly Mr Vawada is busy in strong lobbying to get an important Ministry.
Similarly, the Prime Minister is reportedly not happy with the performance of Kashmir Committee Chairman Shahryar Afridi and it is expected to be taken away from him and to be given to Syed Fakhar Imam who is currently Federal Minister for Food Security.
Some cabinet members involved in lobbying to save portfolios
Ghulam Sarwar Khan who is aviation minister is also expected to be changed as he was unable to revive the PIA and aviation sector.
A number of ministers have started lobbying to save their ministries from being changed and messages are being conveyed from close friends to the Prime Minister.
The sources also indicated that Shaukat Tareen, after induction into the Economic Advisory Council headed by the Prime Minister, would be made SAPM on economic affairs. Mr. Tareen is considered close to the Prime Minister. The purpose is to make the economic team further strong so that it could present the 2021/22 federal budget more effectively which may give relief to the common man.
