Tareen may be elected to Senate

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Sajid Chaudhry
ISLAMABAD: Shaukat Tareen, the adviser to prime minister on finance, is likely to be made a Senate member for the seat left vacant after Pakistan People’s Party senator Javed Leghari’s resignation. Tareen’s election to the Senate is expected to lead to his appointment as the federal finance minister, enabling him to chair National Finance Commission (NFC) meetings for finalising the 6th NFC Award, according to official sources.

The government has reiterated its commitment to finalise the new NFC Award in consultation with all provinces before December 31. At present, the finance minister’s portfolio rests with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is unable to chair the commission’s meetings due to his busy schedule. Tareen’s appointment as a federal minister would allow the government to immediately convene the NFC meeting and kick-start negotiations with the four provinces.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg7_34