The race for the position of the new federal information minister is heating up, with two prominent leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) actively lobbying for the role.

Following former Federal Minister of Information Maryam Orangreeb’s transition to the role of Chief Minister Punjab under Maryam Nawaz, Dr. Mossadegh Malik and Anusha Rehman have emerged as frontrunners for the position of Federal Minister of Information.

Dr. Mossadegh Malik previously served as the Minister of Petroleum and Energy in Shahbaz Sharif’s cabinet, while Anusha Rehman held the position of Minister of Information and Telecom in former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet.

Also Read: Maryam Nawaz Makes History as First Female Chief Minister of Punjab

Sources indicate that the PML-N has reached agreements with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) regarding government formation. As a result, the Ministry of IT and Telecom is expected to be allocated to the MQM once again. Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in the new cabinet is likely to be entrusted to a professional to implement the new program proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It is reported that the National Assembly will convene on February 29 under Clause 2 of Article 91 of the Constitution. During this session, newly elected members will take their oaths, following which the schedule for the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be announced.

Sources suggest that the new cabinet, under the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif, will assume responsibilities for the ministries in the first week of March.