Negotiations between the ruling alliance Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding the distribution of ministries have reached an advanced stage. It’s anticipated that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will resume his role as Foreign Minister.
Recent discussions between the leadership of Muslim League (N) and PPP indicate significant progress in finalizing a power-sharing agreement. As a result, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is poised to reprise his role as Foreign Minister within Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s return to the Foreign Ministry marks a notable development, especially considering his initial hesitation to accept the position. However, both parties are currently ironing out the specifics and timing of PPP’s cabinet inclusion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is eager for PPP’s inclusion in the cabinet before the upcoming budget presentation in early June. While the exact timing remains uncertain, it’s expected that PPP will formally join the cabinet by June.
In a strategic move, Muslim League (N) previously appointed Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as Deputy Prime Minister, paving the way for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s assumption of the Foreign Ministry portfolio.
Ishaq Dar’s transition out of the Foreign Ministry reflects his preference for the Finance Ministry, a sentiment not shared by the leadership of Muslim League (N).
Within the PPP, there’s a prevailing belief that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s previous stint as Foreign Minister, particularly during the 16 months of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, has bolstered his national and international standing.
While Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s return to the Foreign Ministry is seen as advantageous for both him and the party, the ultimate decision to join the federal cabinet rests with the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Following the February 8 elections, PPP initially opted to support Muslim League-N in forming the government but refrained from cabinet participation. However, mutual agreement between the parties stipulated PPP’s eventual entry into ministerial positions.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) upheld its commitment by granting PPP key appointments, including governors in three provinces and crucial positions in the presidency and the senate. Now, PPP’s inclusion in the cabinet is imminent.
Insiders in the Foreign Ministry regard Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a commendable choice, given his demonstrated competence during his previous tenure as Foreign Minister.
