By APP
Islamabad : Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has offered its coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) five ministries in the federal cabinet, it was learnt Saturday. The ministries offered to PML-N under formal power sharing formula include defense, communications, privatization and investment, women development and ports and shipping, PPP sources said on Saturday.
“The ministry of water and power would be given to Asfandyar Wali-led Awami National Party (ANP),” the sources said, adding Jamiat Ulema Islam (F) would be offered ministry of religious affairs, in case it joins the coalition government.
Currently, senior leaders from both the PPP and JUI (F) are engaged in finalizing the modalities of coalition “with focus on Balochistan where Mutahida Majlis Amal (MMA) has secured considerable seats and is in position of bargaining,” PPP sources said.
They said name of Senator Anwar Baig is also being considered for the federal cabinet and he might be nominated minister for foreign affairs in case Makhdoom Amin Fahim becomes Prime Minister.
“Similarly, Aijaz Jakhrani and Nawab Wasan – both from Sindh province, are also strong candidates to be ministers,” sources added.
Mir Aijaz Jakhrani had won February 18 General polls from Jaccobabad – the political stronghold of Soomro family while Nawab Khan Wasan defeated the candidate of Pir Pagara-led Muslim League (Functional) in his home district of Khairpur.
The proposal also includes the plan to appoint two losing PPP stalwarts as advisors including Dr Israr Shah, the losing candidate from Islamabad, as advisor to PM for Livestock and Chaudhry Manzoor for Labour and Manpower, respectively.
The sources said PPP’s MNA from NWFP Abdul Akbar Khan would be part of future cabinet while the formula also contains offers of state ministers and parliamentary secretaries from the other coalition partners but in thr second phase.
“The deputy speaker of the National Assembly would be a women candidate from PPP,” they said.