President Asif Zardari has given a go-head to the Sindh government to appoint Nawabzada Nadir Khan Magsi as the new home minister after the slot was vacated by the former home minister, Manzoor Hussain Wassan, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Manzoor Wassan, famous for his dreams, went on a month-long leave amid speculations that he had been removed from his post. However, he again sought a 15-day extension in his leave that was approved and he returned a few days back. Manzoor Wassan was reportedly suffering from a spinal cord ailment and wanted to get treatment from the United Kingdom.
However, in the wake of deteriorating law and order in the city, the timings of his leave had fuelled speculations that the home minister was going to be replaced. Interestingly, former home minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza had also gone on leave before his removal from the office.
Informed sources told Pakistan Today that Manzoor Wassan had been told about his replacement before going to UK. Besides, the coalition partners, Awami National Party (ANP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were not happy with the performance of Wassan.
Wassan formally offered his resignation to President Asif Zardari at Bilawal House on Friday. However he will enjoy the status of a minister without portfolio.
Sources said that the PPP leadership asked Nadir Magsi to take charge of Home Ministry but he refused as he was overseeing ongoing wheat procurement in the province as food minister.
The arrangements have almost been finalized and a formal announcement about the appointment of Nadir Magsi as home minister will be made within a few days. Until then, the portfolio of home will remain with Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.