ISLAMABAD, March 12 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has changed the portfolio of a minister of state and appointed a special assistant and an adviser on political affairs.

The portfolio of ANP's Arbab Mohammad Zahir Khan was changed from defence to narcotics control on the demand of his party. Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti, belonging to the same party, was the federal minister for narcotics control, but resigned because of differences with the party's leadership.

According to a handout the prime minister also appointed PPP's central executive committee member Nawabzada Ghazanfar Gul as his adviser on political affairs.

Istiqbal Khan, ANP legislator from Buner, was appointed special assistant to the prime minister.

However, ANP information secretary Zahid Khan told Dawn that his party had demanded appointment of Arbab Zahir as federal minister in place of Mr Hoti and there was an understanding that Istiqbal Khan would take over as minister of state for defence.—Staff Reporter