Who is who in caretaker federal cabinet

ISLAMABAD: As the caretaker federal cabinet assumes charge to run Pakistan’s day-to-day affairs, the spotlight turns to the individuals comprising the cabinet of the interim government. This caretaker cabinet is tasked with ensuring free and fair elections in the country. While some members hold known political affiliations and have previously served in various capacities, the Hum Investigation Team has delved into the profiles and career credentials of the interim prime minister and his cabinet members. Here’s a closer look:

Caretaker Defence Minister Lt-Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Hyder

Having served for over three decades in Pakistan, Lt-Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Hyder brings a wealth of experience to his role. Notably, he chaired the Naya Pakistan Housing Development Authority during the previous regime of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). His association with the Army Welfare Trust further highlights his significant contributions.

 

 

Caretaker Health Affairs Minister Dr Nadeem Jan

Dr Nadeem Jan, an expert in health issues, has assumed the position of caretaker health minister. His extensive background includes work with prominent organisations such as the UN, USAID, World Bank, and the Gates Foundation.

 

 

Caretaker Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz

Chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Gohar Ejaz is a respected figure in Pakistan. His qualifications include a business degree, and he heads the “Ejaz Group Of Companies,” comprising Ejaz Spinning Mills Limited and Ejaz Textile Mills Limited.

 

Caretaker Religious Minister Aniq Ahmed

Aniq Ahmed, serving as the caretaker religious minister, boasts the distinction of being a religious scholar and host of a national TV programme. He worked on religious matters and had a good understanding of social and religious affairs with a keen interest in Islamic studies.

 

Caretaker IT and Telecom Minister Umar Saif

A prominent figure in the realm of IT, Umar Saif is the CEO of aiSight.ai and holds several leadership positions. His academic background and advisory roles underscore his commitment to technological advancement. Chief Digital Officer of the Jang Group, and CEO of Khudi Ventures. He is also serving as an adviser to the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan. Saif received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge at the age of 22.

 

Caretaker Minister Jamal Shah

Caretaker Minister Jamal Shah is a multifaceted individual, encompassing roles as an actor, director, painter, and dedicated social worker. Born in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan in 1956, Shah’s versatile talents have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.

In 1984, Shah’s commitment to the arts led him to establish the Fine Arts Department at the University of Balochistan, where he subsequently helmed the department for an impressive three-year tenure. His dedication extended further in 1985 when he founded the Artists Association of Balochistan and assumed the position of its inaugural Chairman within the Artists Association of Pakistan.

Educationally accomplished, Jamal Shah earned a Master’s degree in English literature from Balochistan University in 1978, demonstrating his well-rounded intellectual pursuits. His artistic journey then continued at the National College of Arts in Lahore, where he honed his skills in the field of art in 1983. Notably, his quest for artistic mastery took him to the esteemed Slade School of Art in London, where he earned a Masters in Fine Arts.

Shah’s commitment to the artistic community extended to his role at the Pakistan National Council of Arts, where he dedicated his efforts to enhancing the welfare of the film and drama industry. Through his multifaceted contributions, Jamal Shah has solidified his legacy as an influential figure in Pakistan’s artistic realm.

 

Caretaker Minister for Human Rights Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar

Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar assumed the role of caretaker Minister for Human Rights in the cabinet led by then-premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, spanning from August 2017 to May 2018. His political career also encompassed a membership in the National Assembly of Pakistan, spanning from 1988 to May 2018.

 

Caretaker Minister for Minorities Khalil George

Former National Assembly member Khalil George now assumes the position of Caretaker Minister for Minorities, reflecting his recognized dedication to championing minority rights.

 

Caretaker Interior Minister Senator Sarfaraz Bugti

Designated as the Caretaker Interior Minister, Senator Sarfaraz Bugti’s prior role as the home minister in Balochistan’s administration bolsters his qualifications. His educational background and representation of Balochistan in the Upper House further contribute to his credentials.

 

Read more: Nomination of caretaker Balochistan CM still in limbo 

Caretaker Law Minister Ahmad Irfan Aslam

Mr. Ahmad Irfan Aslam, the interim Law Minister, is a seasoned lawyer with expertise in international disputes. He has also led the International Disputes Unit in the Office of the Attorney General of Pakistan and served in foreign missions. Notably, he advocated significant cases for Pakistan, including Rikodiq, at various international legal platforms.

 

Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar takes on the role of the caretaker Finance Minister. A distinguished Pakistani development economist, she also served as a banker and held the position of caretaker Finance Minister of Pakistan a decade ago. Her illustrious career includes being the 14th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, serving as a senior adviser to the then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations, and assuming the role of Vice-President of the World Bank. Furthermore, she held the position of the 10th Chief Secretary of the Monetary and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in 2013.

 

Caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani

Jalil Abbas Jilani is a highly experienced diplomat who has taken up the role of Interim Foreign Affairs Minister today. With a notable career, he served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the USA and held the position of Secretary of Foreign Affairs for an extended period. His legacy is marked by adept diplomatic thinking and skills, and he has contributed to Pakistan’s interests for 36 years as a dedicated career diplomat.

 

Caretaker Education Minister Madad Ali Sindhi

Madad Ali Sindhi, the Interim Education Minister, is a seasoned journalist and accomplished author. With a deep passion for arts and writing, he has dedicated over three decades to literature and culture. He is also the prolific writer of numerous Sindhi books.

 

Caretaker Federal Minister Mohammad Ali

Mohammad Ali, the interim Federal Minister, previously held the position of Chairman at the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). He contributed to the PTI government as he led a task force on energy matters.

 

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi

With a journalism background, Murtaza Solangi boasts over 30 years of experience, holding key positions with renowned media organisations.

 

Caretaker Minister for Tourism Wasi Shah

Wasi Shah, the incumbent Caretaker Minister for Tourism, stands as a distinguished writer and prominent television personality. An accomplished poet, Shah’s literary repertoire encompasses a multitude of poetry books that delve into various facets of life. From heartfelt nazams and soulful ghazals to resonant romantic and love shayari (poetry), his poetic creations have captured the hearts of readers far and wide.

 

Caretaker Minister Sami Saeed

Sami Saeed, a retired Cabinet Secretary, brings a wealth of experience to his role as an interim caretaker. Initially chosen as Cabinet Secretary by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he later assumed the position of Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2014-15. Saeed’s influence extended beyond borders, as he served as ED ADB in Manila until 2018.

 

Caretaker Minister Vice Admiral (retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao

Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Rao (Retd) has been appointed as the Minister for Maritime Affairs, bringing four decades of expertise to this pivotal role. With a distinguished career encompassing shipboard command, naval aviation, and strategic leadership, Vice Admiral Rao’s experience is poised to shape Pakistan’s maritime landscape.

His extensive on-board and ship command experience, combined with his role as a naval aviator, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of maritime operations. Notably, his role as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to advancing naval capabilities.

Furthermore, Vice Admiral Rao’s active involvement in the Gwadar Port Implementation Committee during its formative phase underscores his commitment to fostering maritime infrastructure development. His contributions to the initial stages of the Gwadar Port Project have played a pivotal role in its evolution.

As Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, Vice Admiral Rao’s leadership has been pivotal in orchestrating its successful turnaround. His dynamic approach to maritime engineering and management has been instrumental in shaping the shipyard’s trajectory.

 

Jawad Sohrab Malik

Jawad Sohrab Malik, Chairman and CEO of the Sohrab Foundation, stands at the crossroads of business and politics. With a background in former Premier Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet, Malik hails from a distinguished political and business lineage based in Islamabad. His familial ties to Mohammed Mian Soomro, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, add depth to his influence.

 

Ahad Cheema

Ahad Cheema, a retired civil servant, emerged as a visionary leader from humble agricultural origins. Known for his role as CEO of Quaid-i-Azam Thermal Power Company (QATPC) under the Punjab government, Cheema’s tenure extended into Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet. His adept management and dedication were pivotal in the success of the “Parha Likha Punjab” initiative, supported by the World Bank.

 

Caretaker Adviser Dr Waqar Masood Khan

Caretaker Adviser Dr Waqar Masood Khan, a retired civil servant, commands respect for his influence in both the public and private sectors. Armed with a Ph.D. in Economics and a versatile academic background, his contributions extend from academia to policy-making, nurturing a dynamic landscape of economic progress.

 

Caretaker Adviser Mushaal Mullick

Caretaker Advisor Mushaal Mullick, the wife of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, has garnered widespread recognition in recent years owing to her impactful presence and accomplished career. Her name has become synonymous with advocacy and resilience. Serving as the Chairman of Peace and Culture from Indian Occupied Kashmir, Malik has been resolute in her quest to champion peace, vehemently voicing her opposition against acts of Indian aggression. A fervent advocate for freedom and justice, she is also celebrated as a prominent craft revivalist, dedicated to safeguarding the rights of the marginalised.

 

Air Marshal (retd) Farhat Hussain Khan

With a distinguished career spanning aviation, industrial management, diplomacy, and negotiations, Air Marshal (retd) Farhat Hussain Khan brings a wealth of expertise to the fore. His tenure includes serving as Pakistan’s Air Attaché in New Delhi, India, a role that underscored his diplomatic acumen. Upon retiring, Khan embarked on a remarkable journey of shaping Pakistan’s aircraft manufacturing sector, collaborating with a civilian partner in the private domain. At the helm of Scaled Aviation Pvt Ltd, the nation’s inaugural and sole aircraft manufacturing venture, he has ushered in a new era of aerospace development within Pakistan.

 

Caretaker Advisor on Education Arfa Zehra

Caretaker Advisor on Education Syeda Arfa Zehra is an educationist. Zehra is an author and historian. She is a former principal of the Lahore College for Women University. She was a chairperson on the National Commission on the Status of Women.

She also served as caretaker minister in Punjab cabinet once. Being recognised for her knowledge on the Urdu language and literature she holds command on South Asian social issues, in Pakistan particular.