PM Imran Khan to keep this important ministry with him: Sources
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ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister elect Imran Khan is likely to keep the portfolio of interior minister with him.
The PTI leadership, in a meeting at Bani Gala Thursday, held threadbare discussion on formation of governments in the Punjab and at the Centre, besides considering the members of Imran Khan’s cabinet, the Punjab chief minister and the president of Pakistan.
Sources in the party said the prime minister-in-waiting wished to keep the portfolio of interior ministry. The interior minister is considered as senior minister in the federal government. There are at least three contenders for the slot, including former KP chief minister Pervez Khattak, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and Shafqat Mahmood.
Background interviews with senior leaders of the PTI indicated Khan wants no controversy over the cabinet portfolios and desires to retain interior ministry with him. It is likely that Pervez Khattak will be given another important portfolio.
Similarly, sources within the party also confirmed Dr Shireen Mazari is now out of the race for defence minister. Dr Mazari was earlier a strong contender for the slot. “Discussions so far held within the PTI indicate the party will consider someone else other than Dr Mazari for the slot of defence minister,” a party leader said.
According to a PTI leader, final decision on a number of cabinet portfolios has yet to be taken. He said it has been finalised that Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be the next foreign minister
