The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which secured majority to form an elected government in Sindh, has decided to keep its former ally, the Muttehida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the cabinet so that the affairs of provinces could be run smoothly, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Moreover, the PPP leadership is also against bringing Pir Pagara-led Pakistan Muslim Leaguge-Functional and other nationalist political parties as the PPP leaders were holding these forces responsible for the loss of seats.
The decision came after a high-level meeting chaired by President Asif Zardari at Bilawal House. PPP leaders Faryal Talpur, Aga Siraj Durrani, Qaim Ali Shah, Owais Muzzaffar, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Ayaz Soomro, Sharjeel Inam Memon and others attended the meeting.
Sources said President Asif Zardari had formally invited Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan for the coalition, adding that the MQM would be inducted in the cabinet with a number of portfolios.
Insiders told Pakistan Today that initially the cabinet will comprise around 15 members and few advisors to the chief minister to run the affairs of the province. PPP senior leader Nisar Ahmed Khuhro will continue as speaker of the Sindh Assembly for the next term, while Shehla Raza will be replaced with a new face, they said.
From the PPP, sources disclosed that Syed Murad Ali Shah, who could not take part in the polls due to dual nationality, would be made advisor to chief minister on finance, while close friend of President Asif Zardari, Aga Siraj Durrani, will be assigned the affairs of the Home Department.
PPP’s Nadir Magsi will be given the portfolio of Education while Sharjeel Inam Memon will be blessed with an important portfolio like excise and taxation or information. Besides, Ali Mardan Shah will be given portfolio of Food and Agriculture, sources added.
Pir Mujeeb, son of former education minister Pir Mazharul Haq will not be given any post in the cabinet. However MPA Hasnain Mirza, son of former outspoken home minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza, will head an important department in the new set up.
Sources also said that the portfolios of commerce and industries, health, public health engineering, information technology, environment and alternate energy, transport, youth affairs, bureau of supply and prices, auqaf and sports will be given to the MQM.
