Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership has reportedly finalised key portfolios in federal cabinet which is expected to be around 18 to 20 members. Sources said that the issue of the formation of next cabinet of the Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif was discussed in detail during the party's meeting presided over the party chief and attended by party's central leadership.
The PML-N reportedly decided that Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, former opposition leaders, would be the interior minister of the country and Senator Ishaq Dar Finance Minister. The Foreign Affairs and Defence portfolios are expected to be kept by the Nawaz Sharif himself and Tariq Javed Fatmi would by Prime Minister's advisor on foreign affairs.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif would head the most critical ministry of water and power. The party considered Pervez Rashid and Ahsan Iqbal names for minister for information and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is most likely to be the petroleum minister. The party reportedly considered and discussed suitable names for other ministries and final decision to this effect is likely to be taken shortly.