ISLAMABAD, Aug 20: Muttahida Qaumi Movement MNA Iqbal Mohammad Ali Khan was on Monday named as federal minister for housing and works. The portfolio fell vacant after the resignation of Syed Safwanullah of the MQM about a month back reportedly on health grounds.

Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghori was given the additional charge of the ministry but he could seldom spare enough time for the job due to his preoccupation with his own ministry and other political matters.

Elected from NA-256 Karachi, Khan is also the member of three National Assembly standing committees - on health, industries and local governments and rural development. By profession he is a businessman. When contacted, Mr Khan said he had officially been intimated about the new assignment and would take charge this week.