ISLAMABAD – Slain minorities’ minister Shahbaz Bhatti’s elder brother, Paul Bhatti is likely to be appointed adviser to the prime minister on minorities’ affairs. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday confirmed that Bhatti would be appointed his adviser A source told Pakistan Today that the appointment would be made in the next few days. “The decision has been taken in line with the president’s assurance to the family of Shahbaz Bhatti that a member of his family would be made MNA in place of late Shahbaz Bhatti,” he said, adding that, “However, as the Election Commission rules did not permit this appointment, Paul Bhatti is being appointed an adviser.”
Meanwhile, even after more than three weeks since the minorities’ affairs minister’s assassination, the ECP has not notified new minorities’ representative for the National Assembly seat. A list of three names, Khatu Mal Jeewan, Michael Javaid and Khalid Gill, is yet to be processed for a formal notification. According to the list, the name of Khatu Mal Jeewan, elected senator in 2009, is on the top.
Now, if Jeewan wants to be made an adviser, he would have to tender his resignation from the Senate, an option he would not apparently adopt. Therefore, Michael Javid’s is the probable candidate for the slot. Taking to Pakistan Today Javid said, “Jeewan informed us he would not leave the Senate seat,” adding that the ECP was using various tactics to delay notifying his name.
