16 names shortlisted for cabinet posts

The caretaker government has shortlisted the names of 16 individuals to be taken in the first round of the federal cabinet, sources said on Tuesday. Insiders have revealed that columnist Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema, industrialist Gohar Ejaz, veteran civil servant Shoaib Suddle, and Senator Sarfaraz Bugti have all been confirmed to join the caretaker federal cabinet. In addition, Mohammad Ali is set to be given the energy ministry portfolio, while cricketer Shahid Afridi will serve as the federal minister in charge of inter-provincial coordination. The development came as Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has reportedly intensified the consultation process for appointing individuals to the interim cabinet. According to sources, the caretaker prime minister has chosen to have a smaller cabinet and personally review the profiles of all potential candidates.