Shehbaz Sharif Sworn in as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for Second Term
Shehbaz’s return to office is anticipated to bring stability and continuity to Pakistan’s governance
Islamabad: In a significant development for Pakistan’s political landscape, Shehbaz Sharif has been sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister of the country. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the President’s House in Islamabad today, with President Dr. Arif Alvi administering the oath to the newly-elected premier in a solemn ceremony that commenced with a holy recitation.
Shehbaz Sharif, the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), secured victory in Sunday’s election, reclaiming the prestigious position of prime minister after previously serving a 16-month term from April 2022 to August 2023.
His second term as prime minister comes after a landslide victory, with Shehbaz garnering 201 votes against his opponent Omar Ayub Khan, backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), who received 92 votes in a session marked by disruptions.
Shehbaz’s victory was a testament to the support he garnered from a coalition of parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and National Party (NP), besides the PML-N.
The transition of power was marked by a gesture of goodwill from outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who welcomed the new premier at the Prime Minister’s House. Kakar, who has vacated the PM House, will continue to perform his duties until the official notification of the new chief executive.
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Federal Cabinet: Details of Ministerial Appointments Revealed
Shehbaz’s return to office is anticipated to bring stability and continuity to Pakistan’s governance, with a focus on addressing pressing national issues and advancing the country’s development agenda. As the nation embarks on this new chapter under his leadership, hopes are high for progress and prosperity across all sectors of society.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has initiated consultations for the formation of the federal cabinet, revealing details of ministerial appointments.
According to reports from private TV channels, discussions are underway to appoint Ishaq Dar as the Finance Minister, while Sardar Yousaf is likely to be assigned the portfolio of Religious Affairs. There is a possibility of Muzaffar Malik being appointed as the Petroleum Minister, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry being considered for the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs. Anusha Rahman is being considered for the Ministry of Information Technology, while Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali is expected to be appointed as Advisor for Water and Power.
As per the report, Ataullah Tarar may be appointed as the Information Minister, Ahsan Iqbal as the Interior Minister, Hanif Abbasi as the Health Minister, and Khawaja Asif as the Defense Minister. The cabinet will consist of 46 members in three phases. In case Ishaq Dar is assigned another important position, there is a possibility of appointing the head of a private bank as the Advisor to the Finance Ministry.
The initiation of consultations for the federal cabinet formation marks a significant step in the governance process, reflecting the PML-N’s commitment to effective leadership and decision-making in key ministerial positions. As the appointments progress, expectations are high for a capable and cohesive cabinet that will work towards addressing the country’s challenges and advancing its development agenda.
