ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan expanded his media team on Tuesday by appointing Yousaf Baig Mirza, a former managing director of Pakistan Television, as his special assistant on media affairs. Mr Mirza is currently working as chief executive officer of a private TV channel.

“The prime minister has been pleased to appoint Yousaf Baig Mirza as Special Assistant on media affairs with effect from Dec 7, ” said a notification issued by the cabinet secretariat.

“His appointment would be in an honorary capacity,” the notification said, indicating that he will not get a salary, but will receive perks.

Mr Baig’s appointment in the presence of Iftikhar Durrani, who is also working as special assistant to the prime minister on media affairs, came as a surprise even for some of the ministers.

Some ruling party members, including ministers, expressed their ignorance as to what specific task would be given to Mr Mirza in the presence of Mr Durrani and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Mr Mirza had previously served as managing director of the state-run PTV during the governments under prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Gen Pervez Musharraf and President Asif Ali Zardari.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2018