According to political insiders, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar may be relieved of his current responsibilities and reassigned to the finance portfolio once again, while Mohsin Naqvi is being tipped as the next Foreign Minister

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

ISLAMABAD — Speculation is mounting in the federal capital that a major cabinet reshuffle is imminent, with several key ministers likely to be replaced as the government struggles to contain mounting criticism over governance, corruption, and law and order.

According to political insiders, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar may be relieved of his current responsibilities and reassigned to the finance portfolio once again, while Mohsin Naqvi is being tipped as the next Foreign Minister. Naqvi’s role in leading sensitive negotiations between the United States and Iran   traditionally the domain of the Foreign Ministry has reportedly sidelined the incumbent foreign minister, raising questions about the relevance of the office under the current setup.

Dar, meanwhile, is said to have fallen out of favor with the country’s power brokers. His position has been further weakened by the recent scandal in Lahore involving allegations of confinement and sexual assault against foreign women, allegedly linked to his grandson Raza Dar, though Raza had pleaded not guility. The incident sparked public outrage and intensified calls for accountability. Faisal Vawda, a politician known for his close ties to the establishment, openly demanded Dar’s resignation over the matter, adding fuel to the speculation of his removal.

While a change of government may not be expected in the immediate future, insiders suggest that a reshuffle of the cabinet is “very much likely.” Several ministers could be shown the door, ostensibly for poor performance. However, critics argue that performance is merely a pretext, as few in the cabinet can claim tangible achievements. The government has been marred by allegations of widespread corruption, mismanagement, and worsening law and order, particularly in Islamabad, where police forces are accused of focusing on VIP protection rather than public safety.

The potential appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as Foreign Minister is being viewed as a strategic move. His involvement in high‑level talks with Washington and Tehran has already demonstrated his influence in foreign policy matters. Analysts believe his elevation would formalize the role he has been playing behind the scenes, while simultaneously signaling a shift in the government’s diplomatic priorities.

For Ishaq Dar, the reshuffle could mark both a demotion and a return to familiar territory. Having previously served as Finance Minister, he may be tasked once again with steering the country’s fragile economy. Yet his diminished standing with the establishment and the shadow of scandal could limit his effectiveness in the role.

Beyond these headline changes, other ministers are also expected to be replaced. The government’s critics argue that reshuffling faces will not address the deeper issues of governance, accountability, and public trust. “If performance were truly the yardstick, no one in the cabinet would survive,” one analyst remarked, pointing to the administration’s record of stalled reforms and deteriorating public services.

As rumors swirl, the public awaits official confirmation of the reshuffle. For now, the uncertainty underscores the fragile state of Pakistan’s political landscape, where scandals, power struggles, and behind‑the‑scenes maneuvering continue to shape the course of governance while the hapless people of Pakistan continue to suffer.