For the promised change?: Five new ministers sworn in to provincial cabinet

CM claims expansion not contrary to manifesto, downplays formation of forward bloc.

PESHAWAR:

The provincial cabinet welcomed five new members on Tuesday as Governor Shaukatullah Khan administered their oath at a ceremony conducted at his official residence.

The newly-inducted members include Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, Qalandar Khan Lodhi, Jamshaidud Din Kakakhel, Ikaramullah Khan Gandapur and Ziaullah Afridi. Moreover, three more advisers and as many assistants to the chief minister have been added.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Khattak, several ministers, senior government officials, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Zahid Shinwari and relatives of the new members.

During his brief interaction with journalists, the governor said, “Talks with the Taliban are moving in the right direction,” adding that the country will soon hear good news.

“The whole nation wants peace in the country as soon as possible and the government knows this. That is why they are doing all they can to achieve peace,” the governor added.

Bloc, what bloc?

While talking to journalists, Khattak played down the reported formation of a “forward bloc” by certain provincial lawmakers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). To a question regarding reports of bad blood after the reshuffle in the cabinet and induction of new faces, he said, “The issue is not as big as it is being portrayed by the media and it cannot be termed a forward bloc”.

“Our colleagues are not disgruntled but have certain reservations,” the CM said, adding, “Instead of talking to journalists about their reservations they should come to us.” He said even now any and all problems of the party’s MPAs can be discussed and resolved amicably.

Minister for Information Shah Farman also said on the occasion that “reservations expressed by our colleagues should not be tagged as the formation of a forward bloc,” adding, the issue will be resolved by taking onboard all those who have issues with the government.

Talking about the expansion of the cabinet, Khattak said no step that is illegal or contrary to PTI’s manifesto has been taken. The CM said a performance-based expansion has been made in the cabinet as advisers who performed well have been made ministers and assistants elevated as advisers.

Responding to a question, he said: “We offer our best wishes to senior minister Sirajul Haq on becoming chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami and wish he will continue with his responsibilities as the provincial minister.”

“He (Haq) is one of the important members of our team,” said Khattak.

He said the social welfare department deals with all women-related issues and its in-charge is Dr Mehr Taj Roghani, adding efforts will be also be made to make women the head of other departments as well as to become a part of the government.

Governor Shaukatullah also administered the oath of office to Attaullah Khan, the new chairman of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission at the Governor House. Khattak, along with senior officials and ministers, were present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2014.