Qureshi in, Aleem Khan out of race for Punjab CM

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reportedly added Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s name in the list of probables for the office of Punjab chief minister while the party has decided not to consider Aleem Khan for the post due to the investigation launched against him by the accountability watchdog.

Earlier, it was widely reported that Aleem Khan was at the top of the list of candidates being considered for Punjab’s top office. It is, however, unlikely that he will be made Punjab CM as there is an “investigation underway against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)”.

Reports suggested that Qureshi is also in the race for the coveted post but his name has not yet been finalised.

Moreover, members of provincial assembly (MPAs) Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal and Raja Yasir Humayun are also being considered for key ministerial posts. Sibtain Khan, Raja Basharat, Mian Waris and Makhdum Hashim Jawan Bakht will also reportedly be made ministers.

Former Punjab Assembly opposition leader Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed will also be appointed to a key ministry.

PTI has won 123 seats in Punjab and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is trailing with 129 seats.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid has thrown its weight behind the PTI and PML-Q leader Pervez Elahi will reportedly be made Punjab assembly speaker.

Moreover, the PML-Q is likely to get two ministries in Punjab and two in the federal cabinet.