Gilani, Zardari decide not to bring new ministers in place of PML-N ministries

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari have decided that PPP will not bring new ministers in place of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ministers, who resigned due to differences over the framework of the restoration of the sacked judges.

Islamabad, May 16 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari have decided that PPP will not bring new ministers in place of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ministers, who resigned due to differences over the framework of the restoration of the sacked judges.

"I will speak to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and persuade him to withdraw the resignations of his party's minister in the national interest," the Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

The two leaders agreed on tabling a resolution and a constitutional package on the restoration of the sacked judges in a joint session of the Parliament after the Budget session.

In a meeting at Prime Minister's House, the two leaders decided that additional portfolios would be assigned to incumbent federal ministers.

A press release issued by the Prime Minister's media office said Syed Naveed Qamar would be given the additional charge of Ministry of Finance and Sherry Rehman would be given the additional charge of Women's Division.

Besides, Shah Mehmood Qureshi would be given the additional charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ahmad Mukhtar would get the additional charge of the Ministry of Commerce and Nazar Muhammad Gondal would get the additional charge of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Both the leaders also decided to appoint Hina Rabbani Khar as a special assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance and Economic Affairs, with the status of a Minister of State.

ANI