'Qureshi's expulsion as Pak Foreign Minister was a last minute decision'

Peshawar, Feb 14(ANI): The ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP)'s decision to replace former Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi from the new cabinet was a last minute decision, according to Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour.

"When I reached the President House for oath taking ceremony, the copy of oath for Shah Mehmood Qureshi was on the table as well as a chair with that of others, but these were removed moments before the ceremony started," the News quoted Bilour, as saying.

Qureshi was not among the 22 ministers sworn in on February 11, as part of the 'right-sized' cabinet that was put together in place of the over-sized ministry of the past three years.

The 54-year-old was apparently offered the Water and Power Ministry, but he rejected it.

Hina Rabbani Khar, former Finance Minister, has been given the charge of Foreign Ministry. (ANI)