ISLAMABAD: PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has been inducted into the federal cabinet as adviser to the prime minister on political and public affairs, making it the second significant appointment in two days following the notification of Ishaq Dar as the deputy prime minister.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday approved the appointment on the prime minister’s advice under Article 93 (1) of the Constitution, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.

It added that Mr Sanaullah, in his capacity as the adviser, would have the status of a federal minister.

With the new addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet now consists of 18 federal ministers, five coordinators of the PM, one minister of state, one adviser to the PM and one special assistant to the PM.

Mr Sanaullah, who served as the interior minister during the previous PDM government, lost the Feb 8 general election while contesting the National Assembly seat (NA-100) in Faisalabad.

PTI-backed independent candidate Dr Nisar Jutt had won the seat and was elected MNA.

He had already served as minister for law and parliamentary affairs of Punjab twice from 2008 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018. He remained a member of the Punjab Assembly from 1990 to 1993, 1997 to 1999, 2002 to 2007, 2008 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018.

The two important appointments — both leaders considered close to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif — signal a divide within the party rank, according to sources.

Some of the top party leaders were with Mr Nawaz, while others were backing PM Shehbaz, sources said.

However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, while talking to Dawn, brushed aside the claims and said the new induction to the federal cabinet was made with the consent of both Sharif brothers.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2024