Speculations over Pakistan's new cabinet

The Election Commission of Pakistan is yet to announce final results but wide speculations of possible inductees in the new cabinet are already doing the rounds.

The unofficial results for the just ended Pakistan general elections have portrayed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan as the next Prime Minister.

Geo TV quoted sources confirming that consultation is underway for the formation of a cabinet of 18-20 members.

As names for the Speaker's post for the National Assembly are being speculated, Geo TV reported that the post is likely to go to Dr. Arif Alvi. The Deputy Speaker's post may go to Zartaj Gul Wazir or to a member of a coalition partner.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi is a strong contender for the foreign minister's berth. There are also speculations that Asas Umar might take over as the Finance Minister as party chief Imran Khan had apparently called him as the top choice before the elections took place. Former Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak's name is being considered for Interior ministry.

Fawad Chaudhry and Shireen Mazari are likely to become Defence Minister and Information Minister respectively, according to the report.

The Ministry of Railways might go to Awami Muslim League chairperson Shiekh Rashid Ahmed.
Quoting sources Geo TV reported Makhdoom Khushro Bakhtiyar, Murad Saeed, Senator Chaudhry Sarwar, Azam Swati, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Ramesh Kumar, Amir Liaquat Hussain and Shahriyar Afridi are also expected to be included in the cabinet.

--ANI