Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated a shake-up within the cabinet, redistributing important roles among top officials mainly to Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) leaders.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb finds himself removed from chairmanships in two crucial committees, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar takes on a prominent role in financial affairs.
Under the prime minister’s directive, four cabinet committees have been reconstituted. Finance Minister Aurangzeb now chairs only one committee, a departure from previous norms where finance ministers typically led three out of four committees.
The cabinet division has officially announced the reconstitution of these committees.
PM Shehbaz has retained leadership of the vital Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) instead of appointing Muhammad Aurangzeb as its head.
However, Aurangzeb will chair ECC meetings in the prime minister’s absence.
Insiders within the PML-N suggest resistance to appointing the finance minister as ECC chairman, indicating a shift in dynamics within the party.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz has appointed Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP), a position previously held by the finance minister.
Amid discussions within the PML-N about appointing a new finance minister, it was decided that Dar would remain involved in economic matters but in a different capacity.
Aurangzeb retains chairmanship of the cabinet committee on State-owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), while Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal heads the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects.
Additionally, new responsibilities have been delegated regarding the outsourcing of airports and privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, with Minister for Defense and Aviation Khawaja Asif assuming chairmanship of the relevant committee.
The country needs a highly experienced, qualified and dedicated team of economists to steer it out of the current situation. instead of satisfying political ego one must prepare a team of deputy ministers who are experts in this field and let them work.
When one’s intentions are not positive, these are the indicators. This indicates the return of previos policy of loot, plunder & runaway. Clearly indicates that they have this last chance to appease their masters. Also indicates their plans to runaway in 12 months or early.
Absolutely right. A banker for all his knowledge & experience cannot do a Finance Ministers job. We need a top level Economist with a super team below him to be able to implement what is needed to get the job done.
Sadly, that will not happen as this change needed will not be allowed to happen as there are too many vested interests. Bringing Ishaq Dar back is the first biggest mistake. Many more will follow.