ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to appoint Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, a parliamentary secretary Finance, as State Minister for Finance , in the absence of Ishaq Dar.
A Minister of State is a junior minister who may assist a cabinet minister or have independent charge of a ministry.
According to Geo TV, the decision to appoint Afzal Khan was taken during a meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was also present during the meeting.
Geo TV correspondent said Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan has confirmed that he has been informed about the responsibilities being assigned to him as Minister of State for Finance .
The cabinet division is expected to issue a notification regarding his appointment today. The TV channel reported that Khan would take oath as Minister of State on Tuesday.
Ishaq Dar, close aide to Nawaz Sharif, is on three-month long leave , and in his absence the prime minister had declared the portfolio of finance minster vacant.
Dar is undergoing medical treatment in London while he is also facing trial in a corruption reference filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau under the Supreme Court orders in Panama Papers case.
On Thursday Islamabad High Court stayed proceedings against him in the Accountability Court till next month.
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