ISLAMABAD – Shah Mehmood Qureishi is emerging as the likeliest candidatefor foreign minister in the new government in Pakistan, although areluctant one. There is still a week to go before Imran Khan is sworn in asPrime Minister on August 18, and the leadership of his PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is still in the process of choosing among claimantsfor various top jobs.

The 62-year-old Qureishi, who was foreign minister in the Pakistan People’sParty government before he quit the party over differences with PPP leaderAsif Ali Zardari, was very keen to become Punjab chief minister, a powerfulposition.

But he is out of the Punjab race, having lost the provincial assembly seathe contested. Though he could still make it to the assembly in aby-election, Qureishi has powerful lobbies ranged against him within theparty who do not want him to ascend to the chief ministership of Pakistan’sbiggest and most important province.

His name was next tipped for Speaker, but long-time PTI member Asad Qaiserwas on Friday named for the post.

Qureishi’s name is “almost final” for foreign ministership, a prominentmember of the PTI, who did not wish to be quoted, told The Sunday Express.Qureishi was among those present at the meeting between Imran Khan andIndian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria.