Reports suggest that there could be a significant development in Pakistani politics as Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the former foreign minister, may be poised for a return to power. It's believed that negotiations between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) are nearing completion on a potential power-sharing arrangement.
According to insiders, Bilawal is likely to re-enter the political arena by assuming the role of foreign minister in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's cabinet, as reported by the Express Tribune newspaper. Talks between the key figures of both parties have allegedly led to an agreement in principle on this matter.
Initially hesitant about rejoining the cabinet, Bilawal has apparently acquiesced to the idea of resuming his role as foreign minister. Both sides are now ironing out the specifics and the timing of PPP's formal inclusion in the cabinet.
Sources suggest that Shehbaz Sharif aims for PPP's integration into the cabinet before the upcoming budget presentation in early June. While it remains uncertain whether this will occur before or after the budget, it's confirmed that PPP will be part of the cabinet by June, according to informed sources.
In preparation for Bilawal's potential return to the Foreign Office, arrangements are reportedly underway to transition the incumbent foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, to the position of deputy prime minister. Dar's office is said to be set up at the Prime Minister's Office, where he will operate from once he relinquishes his role in the Foreign Office.
Despite Dar's reported preference for overseeing the Finance Ministry, he has agreed to assume the role of deputy prime minister, potentially allowing him to influence the government's economic policies once again, as desired by Shehbaz and other PML-N members.
Within the PPP, there is a belief that Bilawal's previous tenure as foreign minister significantly bolstered his domestic and international standing. Consequently, his return to the Foreign Office is seen as advantageous for both him and his party. The final decision on PPP's cabinet participation will be made by its Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Following the February 8 elections, PPP initially supported PML-N in forming the government but refrained from joining the cabinet. However, given PML-N's fulfillment of certain commitments, including PPP's appointments to key positions in various provinces and constitutional bodies, PPP is expected to reciprocate by joining the cabinet.
Officials in the Foreign Office have expressed confidence in Bilawal's capabilities, citing his successful tenure as foreign minister before the elections as evidence of his competence in the role.
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