The government has formally invited the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to join the federal cabinet, sources familiar with the development said on Thursday, signalling a possible expansion of the ruling coalition ahead of an anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
According to the sources, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is likely to be entrusted with a key portfolio if the party decides to accept the offer.
The development comes as the federal government prepares for a broader reorganisation of the cabinet following the approval of the budget. Several new faces are expected to be inducted, while changes in ministerial assignments are also under consideration.
Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought performance reports from all federal ministers as part of a review process that could pave the way for adjustments within the cabinet.
The ministries of commerce, power, housing, communications, finance and foreign affairs are among those likely to witness changes, according to the sources.
The expected reshuffle may also affect a number of special assistants to the prime minister, they added.
Neither the government nor the PPP has officially commented on the reports.
