Govt decides to retain coalition partners' ministries
The government has decided in principle to extend and reshuffle the federal cabinet but would not change the ministries of coalition partners, reliable sources said on Wednesday.

According to official sources, the performances of some PPP ministers were not satisfactory and were hesitating to take new ministries despite the Prime Minister's decision to change portfolios of some ministers.

Sources said that Trade Minister Amin Fahim is also included among those whose ministries would be changed and ministry of inter-provincial coordination has been offered to him but he refused leaving his trade ministry.

According to sources, the notification of acceptance of PPP senior leader Raza Rabbani's resignation has not been issued yet and law ministry has been offered to him but he has no interest in it.

Mian Raza Rabbani would be given ministry of interior, while Information Minister Qamar-uz-Zaman would retain his ministry over his brilliant performance.

According to sources, Privatization Minister Naveed Qamar would be given petroleum ministry in place of advisor to the PM Dr Asim Hussain, while Investment Minister Waqar Ahmad Khan and Benazir Income Support Program chief Farzana Raja were expected to get important responsibilities.

Sources said Prime Minister has expressed dissatisfaction over the present poor law and order situation and terror events several times and also in his recent statements after which the ministries of Rehman Malik and Ejaz Jakhrani would be changed.

The changes are expected to take place within a week, sources added.