The two biggest parties - the PPP and the PML-N - in the new coalition government in Pakistan have not yet been able to break the deadlock over who would get the Information Ministry. The first cabinet expansion of the Gilani government is slated to take place on Saturday when 20 ministers will be administered oath.
Islamabad, Mar 27 : The two biggest parties - the PPP and the PML-N - in the new coalition government in Pakistan have not yet been able to break the deadlock over who would get the Information Ministry. The first cabinet expansion of the Gilani government is slated to take place on Saturday when 20 ministers will be administered oath.
Two rounds of talks were reportedly held between the two parties on Wednesday to sort out differences over the ministry. While the first round was held at the Parliament House, the second took place at the Zardari House, but both failed to break the impasse.
The two sides are expected to meet again on Thursday to break the impasse.
The PPP claims the ministry on the ground that it would act as a spokesman of the government as well as the Prime Minister.
During the parleys held for the ministry, PPP delegation comprised of Syed Khurshid Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar and Sherry Rehman, while PML-N delegation consisted of Senator Ishaq Dar, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Khwaja Asif.
Sources said out of the 20 ministers to take oath this weekend, 10 will be from the PPP, seven from the PML-N and one each from the ANP, the JUI-F and Fata.
Sources said two more expansions would be made to the cabinet and it may cross the figure of 70 ministers.
ANI