ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday approved
a summary to elevate Hina Rabbani Khar, minister of state for foreign
affairs as a full-fledged foreign minister ahead of crucial talks with
India next month, official sources said.
Khar, 34, is the
daughter of veteran politician Malik Ghulam Noor Rabbani Khar and the
niece of former governor Malik Ghulam Mustafa Khar. She was a member of
the PML-Q party during former military ruler Pervez Musharraf ’s regime
and joined the ruling Pakistan People’s Party ahead of the 2008 general
election.
The slot of federal foreign minister was vacant since
previous incumbent Shah Mahmood Qureshi was removed during a cabinet
reshuffle in February.
The move to appoint a full-time minister
for the foreign office has gained urgency as talks between the foreign
ministers of India and Pakistan are going to be held at end of this
month in New Delhi.
The summary to appoint Hina Rabbani Khar as
federal minister for foreign affairs has been dispatched to Presidency
for approval. After approval of summary by the President, Hina Rabbani
Khar would take sown as federal minister in a special ceremony to be
organized in the Presidency. Online
