Murad set to expand Sindh cabinet

Karachi

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has almost finalised the names of more ministers and special assistants for his cabinet and they are likely take oath on Monday.

He has also consulted with the top Pakistan People’s Party leadership.

The chief minister has also started reshuffling the Chief Minister’s House administration and posted senior officer Naveed Kamran Baluch as his principal secretary.  Baluch, considered a trusted officer, indicated that the culture of the Chief Minister’s House would change as Shah wanted to quickly dispose of files.

Some more trusted officers are expected to become part of the chief minister’s team.  Insiders said the names considered for induction in the cabinet were nominees of the Mehar group from Ghotki and young Muhammad Bux Mehar name had been proposed for a minister’s slot.

Manzoor Wassan from Khairpur is also expected to be on Shah’s team and he will be appointed a minister.

Wassan had also served as a minister for eight years during former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah’s time.

An interesting induction is expected from Thatta’s Sherazi group, which although belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, voted for Shah in House.

The Sherazis have a good relationship with the PPP leadership, particularly after the removal of Awais Muzaffar alias Tappi from the cabinet.

Others who could be inducted in the cabinet include Mumtaz Jhakrani, Jam Ikram Dharejo, Fayyaz Buth, Zia Lanjhar, Dr Abdul Qayyum Soomro, Taimur Talpur.

PPP sources said the party leadership had nominated the family members and other nominees of some heavyweights for the chairmanship in districts councils and tehsils.  They wanted development work in their constituencies and ensure success in the next general elections in 2018.

The sources added that the chief minister had also discussed the cabinet expansion with Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad on Friday. The chief minister is planning to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.