PML-N, allies mull 25-member cabinet

Discussions are underway on the composition of the new federal cabinet of the coalition govt with the possibility of a 25-member lineup in its initial phase. The PML-N leadership, comprising Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, engaged in a crucial meeting to review the party's interactions with various allies and considered the names of potential cabinet members, sources told Express Tribune.

Leaders from MQM-P are being considered for key positions, PML-N sources said. Awn Chaudry from Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party is expected to be appointed as special assistant to the PM.

Earlier, PML-N outlined a formula which suggested if the coalition agrees to a PML-N candidate as PM, the positions of president and speaker would go to PPP.