PTI, allies in talks over share in ministries

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government-to-be and its possible allies are in talks over the share in ministries while an announcement is yet to be made regarding who gets what.

According to media reports on Monday, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed is likely to be made the minister for railways. PTI Chairman Imran Khan will take AML chief Sheikh Rasheed in confidence on matters pertaining to the ministry, they added.

Earlier reports claimed that Sheikh Rasheed was reportedly angry with prime minister-designate for not being promised the ministry of interior.

Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Pervez Khattak and Shafqat Mahmood are strong candidates for the slot of interior minister, however, Imran will make the final call.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is also eying some ministries in the federal government, reports said, adding that the party has expressed its desires for ministries of information technology, education, health, and ports and shipping.

The party is prioritising the ministries related to rural issues, reports said.

On Aug 3, the PTI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the formation of a new government in the Centre with its erstwhile rival, MQM-P.

According to the agreement signed between MQM-P’s Faisal Sabzwari and PTI leader Arif Alvi, the recommendations of Council of Common Interest (CCI) on Karachi population census would be implemented and the PTI will favour a petition filed in the Supreme Court with regard to local bodies system in Sindh.

The agreement also urged for a review of Karachi operation and consultation with all the stakeholders, besides meritorious appointments on all posts.

The PTI has also agreed to a “direct financial package for the severely neglected” Karachi that shall be disbursed by the federal government with a special emphasis on water. The concerns regarding the Octroi taxes will be addressed, which was abolished in 1988. A university of international level and repute shall be established in Hyderabad, the agreement went to add.

In terms of law and order, Sindh police will be reformed in a bid to de-politicise the department.