K-P caretaker cabinet to take oath today

Governor Ghulam Ali green-lights summary from interim chief minister

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor, Haji Ghulam Ali, has given his nod to a 9-member caretaker cabinet, marking a deliberate departure from previous practices in the pursuit of non-partisan governance.

The decision, following a summary presented by Caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan, entails a compact cabinet size. Notably, the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to transpire in the Governor House on Saturday.

The decision underscores the commitment of the provincial administration to uphold the principles of fairness and inclusivity in the formation of the caretaker cabinet. This deliberate step to maintain a limited cabinet size reflects a considered approach, in contrast to the previous 27-member cabinet that faced widespread criticism due to political affiliations and allegations of corruption.

Dr Riaz Anwar and Dr Sarfaraz Ali Shah have been appointed as advisors, with Zafarullah Khan assuming the role of special assistant.

Noteworthy figures, including Syed Masood Shah, Barrister Feroz Jamal Kakakhel, Justice (retired) Irshad Qaisar, Ahmad Rasool Bangash, Asif Rafiq Shinwari, Dr. Najeebullah, Dr. Muhammad Qasim Jan, Syed Amir Abdullah, and Justice (retired) Arshad Hussain Shah, complete the roster.

Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan’s proactive engagement with potential cabinet candidates signals a renewed commitment to ethical governance. In conversations with influential individuals such as Dr Riaz Anwar, Justice (retired) Irshad Qaisar, and Dr Sarfarz Ali, the focus remains steadfast on upholding the principles of impartiality and transparency while steering clear of partisan influences.

This new approach to cabinet selection aligns with a broader effort to ensure that the government functions without succumbing to political pressures, thereby avoiding potential controversies that can hinder effective governance. The administration’s emphasis on appointing non-partisan professionals reflects a resolute intent to prioritize the public’s welfare and interests above all else.

The carefully curated cabinet is a response to the challenges posed by the previous administration’s perceived political involvement. By adopting a fresh approach that encourages experts from various fields to contribute their skills and expertise, K-P aims to demonstrate a genuine commitment to responsible governance.

As the new caretaker cabinet takes shape, the province enters a phase marked by responsive governance, untainted by political affiliations, and driven by a commitment to serve the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This decisive action paves the way for a future where transparent and equitable governance takes precedence, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the region and its residents.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2023.