The first phase of the Punjab cabinet expansion is expected to take place within the next one to two days, with 15 ministers taking the oath of office at the Governor's House.
This initial phase will see a leaner cabinet, focusing on key portfolios. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Governor House, a momentous occasion signifying the commencement of the new administration’s tenure.
Among the anticipated cabinet appointments, Marriyum Aurangzeb is expected to assume the Ministry of Planning and Development and Forests, while Azma Bukhari is poised to become the Provincial Minister for Information.
Khawaja Imran Nazir is slated to take charge as the Minister for Primary Health, with Bilal Yasin designated as the Minister for Food and Mujtaba Shuja to oversee the Excise department.
In Maryam Nawaz's initial cabinet lineup, Khalid Jaja is earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture, while Faisal Ayub is anticipated to assume the responsibilities of the Ministry of Housing and Sports. Additionally, Salman Naeem and Rana Iskandar Hayat are expected to join the 15-member cabinet.
The possibility of Rana Sanaullah joining the Punjab cabinet or assuming a federal ministerial role is currently under consideration.
Furthermore, Parvez Rasheed is speculated to be appointed as a minister in Maryam Nawaz’s cabinet, while Shafay Hussain, son of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, is also expected to be granted a ministry, reflecting the ongoing deliberations and decision-making processes within the provincial government's formation.