ISLAMABAD: PML-N-led coalition government’s Cabinet swelled to 83 members after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inducted five more special assistants to it, move that will put extra burden on already suppressed economy. He appointed Rao Ajmal Khan, Malik Sohail Khan, Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Chaudhry Hamid Hameed and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh to his cabinet, making it largest in history of country.

With five new special assistants to prime minister, Cabinet now consists of 38 federal ministers, seven ministers of state, four advisers to PM and 34 SAPMs. All five have been given status of state minister while they had not been assigned any portfolio. Given ongoing economic turmoil where foreign exchange reserves have fallen to an alarming low level, inflation has soared and deteriorating law and order situation, expansion of Cabinet is unjustified as it would cost national kitty in terms of allowances and perks.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 09 2023

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