PM powers to make key appointments withdrawn by cabinet

ISLAMABAD: In a major decision taken by the Shehbaz Sharif government, the powers of the prime minister to create key posts and vacancies in ministries and divisions have been withdrawn.

Sources said that powers of the prime minister to create key posts and vacancies have been relegated to ministers, ministers of state, advisers and federal secretaries.

The federal cabinet, with the permission of the prime minister, approved summary in this connection through circulation.

The appointment of professionals and experts would now be made with consultation between the Ministry of Finance and Establishment Division.

The appointments of consultants in ministries and divisions would be made after consultations with ministers and ministers of state while research associates and young professionals would be posted with the approval of federal secretaries concerned.

However, the approval of the prime minister would be required for appointment of technical advisers who would be picked by the special selection board.

Previously, former prime minister Imran Khan had assumed the powers to create key posts and make appointments of experts, professionals and important appointments in ministries and divisions.