LAHORE: Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid sees some development in the ongoing talks of an alleged deal with the PML-N in the future. He also expects a reshuffle in the federal cabinet soon, terming the next three months most sensitive.

“There is no plan for a national government. There is no deal on the issues of Israel and India. Usman Buzdar, too, is still holding his post. But, nothing can be said for certain in politics,” the minister told journalists at a press conference here on Saturday.

“Shahbaz Sharif has appeared again in the market and he is in a good bargaining position, as he is an expert in resolving tricky issues through dialogue. Shahbaz is in contact,” he claimed.

He further said he didn’t know whether Nawaz Sharif will be released or not. “But, I know that there are some middlemen in the scene. Shahbaz’s position as compared to Maryam has improved slightly in front of his brother.”

Talking about the JUI-F’s march on Islamabad, the minister thought it was unlikely to happen. “After I talked to Mr Haideri of the JUI-F on this issue, I expect Mr Rehman to seriously think about prolonging the schedule for his march on Islamabad,” he stated.

Mr Rashid said Prime Minister Imran Khan had pledged to sign on the ML-1 project next month. He also revealed the railways’ plan to outsource the freight sector for Rs35 billion to Rs40bn annually.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2019