K-P cabinet overhaul to prioritize neutrality

In the wake of ministers’ resignations, CM assumes oversight of all 34 departments

PESHAWAR:

Following the resignation of the entire 25-member caretaker cabinet in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan has assumed sole responsibility for all 34 provincial departments. The quest to assemble a new cabinet is in full swing, with expectations of the swearingin ceremony taking place this week. The upcoming cabinet is projected to be predominantly composed of technocrats and retired bureaucrats, adhering to a rigorous scrutiny process to ensure their political neutrality.

Two or three members of the previous cabinet who had no political affiliation could also join the new cabinet Officials indicated that an evaluation of various names is underway for this purpose. The previous cabinet ballooned to 27 members, but this time, it will be streamlined to a more efficient 16 members, including the chief minister, in accordance with the 18th amendment’s stipulation. “The previous cabinet exceeded the prescribed limit due to political affiliations, undermining the desired impartiality for general elections in the province,” emphasized an official.

“In the new arrangement, retired judges, technocrats, and retired bureaucrats will be appointed to guarantee non-political standing.” Additionally, stringent measures will be enforced to prevent any political involvement, including a prohibition on influencing transfers and postings. Sources further suggest that the revised cabinet may comprise only ministers, forgoing advisors and special assistants to maintain a compact size.

Background

The K-P cabinet’s collective resignation was prompted by allegations of political engagement, with Chief Minister Azam Khan leading the decision. The caretaker cabinet, which consisted of 25 members, including ministers, advisers, and special assistants, was constituted in January-February this year after the dissolution of the provincial assembly. Caretaker Information Minister Feroze Jamal Kakakhel affirmed that Chief Minister Azam Khan met with cabinet members, who subsequently submitted their resignations.

Out of the 25, 19 ministers resigned, while others not present in the meeting pledged to follow suit. One member requested additional time for consultation. Since its installation, the caretaker set-up saw several reshuffles in the last six months. Besides the political activities, some of them also faced allegations of corruption and subpar performance.