ISLAMABAD: In a mix of fresh faces and seasoned members, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced his 19-member federal cabinet, then told them to either “exit or perish” as the nation faced urgent problems requiring “surgical operation” instead of experimenting with “antibiotics one more time.”

Shortly after being sworn in by President-elect Asif Ali Zardari, the prime minister not only explained the road map but also outlined the challenges ahead, highlighting economic recovery and tackling inflation as the government’s “biggest challenge and test”.

The constituent cabinet meeting was held in the Prime Minister’s Chamber, where ministers formally began to address the tasks outlined in the first 100-day program.

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Cabinet members include Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazir Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Ameer Mukam, Owais Leghari, Jam Kamal, Salik Hussain, Riyaz Pirzada, Rana Tanveer, Mohsin Naqvi, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Shaza Fatimaqui Qaiser Sheikh, Ahad Cheema, Musadiq Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The ministerial portfolios were allocated as follows: Asif – Defence, Defense Production and Aviation; Donation – foreign affairs; Ahsan Iqbal – Planning; Tanveer – Industry and Manufacturing; Azam Nazeer Tarar – Law and Justice and Human Rights; Salik – Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development; Aleem Khan – Privatization and Investment Board; Jam Kamal – shop; Leghari – Railways; Ata Tarar – Information and Broadcasting; Siddiqui – Science and Technology, Education and Training; Qaiser Sheikh – Maritime Affairs; Pirzada – housing and work; Musadik – oil and energy; Aurangzeb – finance and revenue; Cheema – Economic Affairs and Establishment; and Naqvi – interior control and narcotics.