ISLAMABAD: With the general election just two weeks away, caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production Gohar Ejaz was given additional charge of the interior minister.

“The Prime Minister, in terms of rule 3(4) of the Rules of Business, 1973, has been pleased to assign the portfolio of Interior to Mr Gohar Ejaz, Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries & Production and Board of Investment, with immediate effect,” says a notification issued by the cabinet division on Wednesday, a copy which is available with Dawn.

The most important ministry responsible for coordinating security arrangements with provinces during the elections remained without a minister for around 40 days after resignation of Sarfaraz Bugti, the former caretaker interior minister.

Mr Bugti stepped down to be able to participate in the Feb 8 elections. He submitted his resignation to caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Dec 13 citing “personal reasons”, which the latter accepted on December 15, hours before the announcement of the election schedule.

Dr Ejaz assumed the charge of interior minister shortly after issuance of the notification.

On his arrival at the ministry, he was received by senior officers of the ministry. He was given a briefing on the departments under the administrative control of the interior ministry, besides an introduction with senior officers.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2024