Pakistan Muslim League-N leadership has decided in principle to keep the size of new Punjab Cabinet small and the number of provincial ministers in the PML-N-led coalition government is expected to be around 20. Sources in the PML-N told Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the party Quaid Nawaz Sharif is in favour of small cabinet at the centre as well as in the Punjab.
Under the power sharing agreement between the PPPP and the PML-N, speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly would be from the PPPP while speaker and deputy speaker of the Punjab assembly would be from PML-N, the sources said, adding that both the coalition partners are keen to provide good governance to the people.
While addressing a party function, central leader of PML-N Muhammad Pervaiz Malik said millions of people are facing poverty and hunger, hence, there is neither any logic nor country can afford large cabinet.
He said it is merit and quality and not quantity that matters as regards cabinet adding, " If there is spirit to serve masses even small cabinet can do wonders." He called for annulling article 58-2b and said it has never been used rightfully, therefore, doing away with it is essential for the continuation and strengthening of democratic system in the country. He termed 17th amendment against the spirit of democracy and constitution and said people have given mandate for the supremacy of Constitution and democratic forces would ensure its restoration.
He also described National Security Council extra-constitutional institution and said there was no need for it. Moreover, the PML-N leadership has decided the name of party candidate for the slot of Chief Minister for interim period till Shahbaz Sharif reaches the assembly through by-election and assumes charge as chief executive.
According to sources, Rana Iqbal Khan from Pattoki, Sardar Dost Muhammad Khosa, son of Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, Mohsin Latif and Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor are among the hot favourites for the slot of Chief Minister.
According to sources, the PML-N president Mian Shahbaz Sharif is likely to contest election from PP-154 where elections were not held on February 18 due to the assassination of the PML-N candidate from the constituency, Chaudhry Asif Ashraf. Shahbaz Sharif has already been acquitted in Sabzazar encounter case on the basis of which his nomination papers were rejected earlier.
Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, meanwhile, will also contest by-polls from NA-119 where elections were postponed due to the death of PML-Q leader Tariq Banday, who died of cardiac attack. The bye-elections are scheduled to be held in May.