Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Wednesday assigned the additional portfolio of the Interior Ministry to Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production Gohar Ejaz.

“The Prime Minister, in terms of rule 3(4) of the Rules of Business, 1973, has been pleased to assign the portfolio of Interior to Mr [Gohar] Ejaz […] with immediate effect,” the cabinet division’s notification read.

The development comes after now-former interior minister Sarfraz Bugti, citing personal reasons, stepped down from the post on December 13.

Sources said that Bugti had decided to resign from the key ministry two months prior with the aim of taking part in the upcoming February 8 general elections.

After his resignation, the senator soon announced to join the Bilawal Bhutto-led Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Ejaz’s appointment comes after lobbying started for the new interior minister following Bugti’s resignation.