The Punjab cabinet is scheduled to be sworn-in this evening, according to sources. Amidst heightened anticipation, it has been confirmed that Marriyum Aurangzeb is set to become a senior minister in the province, entrusted with the portfolios of planning and development, wildlife, and environment.
It has been learned that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has approved all the appointments in the Punjab cabinet. Among the notable names, Azma Bukhari will assume the role of minister of information, with Tahir Khalil Sindhu designated to oversee human rights matters.
Furthermore, in a bid to address the needs and concerns of minority communities, Ramesh Singh has been tapped to lead the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The cabinet is poised to be a dynamic blend of expertise, with Faisal Khokhar, who will spearhead sports, and Bilal Akbar, who will take charge of transport affairs.
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In healthcare, Khawaja Salman Rafique has been named the minister for specialized healthcare and Khawaja Imran Nazir will focus on the department of primary healthcare. Meanwhile, Rana Sikandar Hayat is set to take on the role of minister of education, and Sohaib Bherth to take up communication and works.
Other notable appointments include Ashiq Hussain Kirmani overseeing agriculture, Zeeshan Rafique local governments, Bilal Yasin food, Kazim Pirzada managing irrigation, and Sher Ali Gorchani heading the Ministry of Mines and Minerals.
Meanwhile, sources say that former ministers Rana Sanaullah and Pervaiz Rasheed may also get their share in the cabinet, as well as Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and Rana Ishaq Hayat.
Besides the PML-N, the PML-Q and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party members are also likely to be included in the cabinet.
The swearing-in ceremony, which is expected to induct 25 ministers and special assistants, will be held at the Governor House in Lahore. This event marks a significant step in the formation of the Punjab government, signifying a fresh chapter in the province's political landscape.