In spite of being a non-elected member of the cabinet, former advisor to prime minister on finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has taken an oath as the federal finance minister.

The swearing in ceremony was held at the President House and President Dr Arif Ali took oath from Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.

If you read the constitution, you will realize that his appointment as the minister is legitimate. Because, a clause in the constitution allows appointment of non-elected member as a minister but for a short term, not exceeding six months. The person cannot be assigned a ministry for the rest of the government’s tenure, after completing his designated time period.

As per this rule, Abdul Hafeez will have to leave his post as a minister by June next year and start serving again as the de-facto finance minister.

The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf government has reshuffled the federal cabinet. Ijaz Ahmed Shah has been assigned ministry of anti-narcotics. Azam Swati has been given portfolio of railways ministry, while Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has been appointed as interior minister.

The PTI government has reshuffled the federal cabinet for the fifth time since coming into power.