PM Imran hands over interior ministry to Sheikh Rasheed

In a major development on Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to reshuffle his cabinet and assign the interior ministry to Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

After making the decision, the prime minister took the cabinet members into confidence on the issue as the interior minister in a country like Pakistan has enjoyed great powers and prestige.

However, the future of Ijaz Shah, the outgoing interior minister, has also been decided as he will now serve as the minister for narcotics control, says a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

Meanwhile, it is Azam Swati who will now look after the affairs of railways ministry – the portfolio left by Sheikh Rasheed. He was previously serving as the minister of narcotics control.

File photo of Azam Swati.

Earlier in the day, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh became the first unelected federal minister in the present federal cabinet as he was given the status for which President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath to him at a ceremony in Aiwan-i-Sadr.

Earlier, Miftah Ismail, during the previous PML-N government, was also given the status of a federal minister though he was not an elected parliamentarian.

Giving his reaction to 24NewsHD TV channel, newly-appointed Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said he will review the law and order situation in all the provinces and will try to bring more stability in the country.

“We will tighten the noose around those elements who are trying to harm the country,” he said.

Sheikh Rasheed said the Nacta had issued terror alert for December 13. “The Opposition can go ahead with its rally in Lahore,” he added.

The minister said he enjoys when the competition is tough.