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New Pak cabinet unlikely before weekend
LAST UPDATE: Saturday, 29 Mar 2008 - 2:30:45 AM
ISLAMABAD: The cabinet ministers of Pakistan's new government are unlikely to be named before the weekend as members of the coalition are continuing efforts to iron out differences over the allocation of portfolios.
Though it had been widely expected that the Pakistan People's Party-led coalition would announce the names of some members of the cabinet yesterday, PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the nominees were likely to be named only during the weekend or by Monday.
Besides the differences between the PPP and its allies over the allocation of portfolios, President Pervez Musharraf will be away from the federal capital today and will not be available to swear in the new cabinet ministers, sources said.
PML-N leader Siddique-ul-Farooq too told PTI that the names of the members of the cabinet, which will have strength of "20-plus", will be announced by Monday. He said PML-N is likely to have eight ministers.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani will seek a vote of confidence in the National Assembly today morning before travelling to Lahore to host a reception for his newly-wed son.
The formation of the government has also been impeded by opposition from the PML-N and the Awami National Party to the PPP's plans to rope the Muttahida Qaumi Movement into the coalition. Leaders of both PML-N and ANP have expressed reservations on this account due to the MQM's close links with Musharraf.
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