PM Gilani dissolves cabinet

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday dissolved the federal cabinet as part of an exercise to refurbish the image of his government that has been rocked by charges of inefficiency and corruption.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday dissolved the federal cabinet as part of an exercise to refurbish the image of his government that has been rocked by charges of inefficiency and corruption.

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Gilani announced the dissolution of the cabinet during an address on state-run PTV after all members of the cabinet submitted their resignations during a meeting chaired by him this afternoon.

The ruling Pakistan People's Party is also required to downsize the cabinet under the provisions of the 18th constitutional amendment, a landmark reforms package passed by parliament last year.

Besides, the government is facing pressure from the main opposition PML-N to reduce the size of the cabinet and cut spending.

Major Western powers and international donors like the US and the International Monetary Fund have called on Pakistan to reduce spending and implement wholesale economic reforms, including the introduction of a reformed tax regime.

Donors have also expressed concern about alleged corruption and misuse of funds.

During his address, Gilani paid tribute to the members of his cabinet and thanked them for their support. The Prime Minister did not say when a new cabinet would be formed.

Analysts believe the PPP will face difficulties in striking deals with its coalition partners to accommodate members in a smaller cabinet mandated by the 18th constitutional amendment.

The outgoing cabinet had 52 members and Gilani is expected to form a new team with over 20 ministers.

During a meeting of the PPP's central executive committee on February 4, party chief and President Asif Ali Zardari had authorised Gilani to dissolve the cabinet at a time of his choosing.