Engineer Shaukatullah Khan's induction sparks speculation about government’s policy towards TTP. PHOTO: FILE.
Stepping into Barrister Masood Kausar’s shoes, Engineer Shaukatullah Khan took oath as the new governor of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at Governor House on Sunday – inviting murmurs about his seemingly abrupt appointment.
Shaukatullah, previously serving as minister for state and frontier regions, was appointed as governor by President Zardari. He is the first governor of the province hailing from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
His appointment comes at a time when political parties are gearing to launch election campaigns in tribal areas hoping for a peaceful settlement with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“We should seriously consider the formation of an autonomous jirga to hold talks with TTP,” MNA Sajid Hussain Turi from Kurram Agency told The Express Tribune, hoping that a governor, who himself belongs to the tribal areas, will help catalyse the negotiations.
The new governor’s appointment is thus indicative of a clear shift in government policy towards the tribal areas, switching from ‘operation’ to ‘negotiation’.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti, Chief Secretary Ghulam Dastagir, the president’s spokesperson Farhatullah Babar, high profile officials, leaders of political parties and tribal elders were present at the oath-taking ceremony on Sunday. Chief Justice Peshawar High Court (PHC), Justice Dost Muhammad Khan administered the oath.
First address
In his Sunday address, the newly appointed governor said that working for peace in the Fata would be his top priority and all resources would be utilised for the socio-economic well-being of tribesmen.
“My appointment as Khyber-Pakthunkhwa Governor is a great honour and pride for the people of K-P and Fata,” he remarked, adding that his focus will be the improvement of the social sector like education and health. “Law and order in the tribal areas can only be improved by spreading the rays of education.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2013.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1713853507-0/MalalaHilary-(2)1713853507-0-270x192.webp)
Which party was he representing when he was the Minister? Shouldn't there be apolitical persons appointed as Governor?? Who respects the Law?? Who implements it??