Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday appointed PML-N Punjab President and former federal interior minister Rana Sanaullah as his adviser on Political and Public Affairs, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.
This is the second appointment made by the federal government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in recent days after designating Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister.0
Previously, Rana Sanaullah declined any official position within the newly elected government, opting instead to support the party and government as an external contributor.
President Asif Ali Zardari has accorded his approval to the appointment of Rana Sanaullah as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs.
The president approved the appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister under Article 93 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Rana Sanaullah, in his capacity as Adviser to the PM, would have the status of a federal minister.
He experienced defeat by the PTI candidate in the general elections held on February 8, 2024, in his hometown of Faisalabad.
Rana had been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from August 2018 till August 2023.
Before getting elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sanaullah had been elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab five times and had served in high-ranking ministries of the province.
Previously, he served as the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Punjab from 2008 to 2018, Local Governments and Community Development Minister of Punjab from 2008 to 2014, Revenue Minister of Punjab from 2008 to 2013, Public Prosecution Minister of Punjab from 2008 to 2013, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Punjab) from 1990 to 1993 and again from 2002 to 2007.
In recent days, Rana Sanaullah has found himself poised for a potential role within both federal and provincial government spheres.
Notably, this move comes in the wake of Sanaullah's recent prominence in media circles, where his public statements have often contradicted party policies.
Despite his electoral setback, Rana Sanaullah has remained steadfast in his position as Punjab Party President, defying expectations of resignation.
Sources close to the matter reveal that Nawaz Sharif, in a strategic move, has engaged in discussions with Shehbaz Sharif, advocating for Sanaullah's inclusion in the cabinet.