Imran greenlights K-P cabinet formation

CM Gandapur says decision to reconcile with the establishment rests solely with the PTI founder

PESHAWAR:

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has given his seal of approval to the selection of members for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) cabinet. Sources within PTI disclosed to The Express Tribune that Khan stressed the significance of ensuring representation from all districts, including Peshawar, in the cabinet.

He personally endorsed seven names for cabinet positions, while the remaining seats will be filled at the discretion of the chief minister.

Initially, the cabinet is set to comprise 10 ministers, three advisors, and three special assistants, aiming to ensure a diverse and inclusive representation of the province’s interests.

This decision was made during a meeting between Imran Khan and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, which took place at Adiala prison.

Sources said that Taimur Saleem Jharga is likely to be given the portfolio of finance minister.

Read: Law and order top priority: K-P CM

Similarly, Meena Khan, Fazal Khan, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Khaleequr Rehman and Zahir Shah Toru would also be made part of the cabinet.

In this meeting, Khan underscored the urgent need for reforms in critical sectors such as education, police, health, and the revitalization of the Billion Tree Tsunami project.

Highlighting the pressing issue of climate change, Khan directed Gandapur to expedite the reactivation of the Billion Tree Tsunami project, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to combat environmental challenges.

On the other hand the K-P CM emphasized that both the establishment and institutions belong to the people, but the decision regarding reconciliation with the establishment rests solely with Imran Khan.

Khan’s unique position as the only prime minister to be ousted through a no-confidence motion in Pakistan’s history underscores the gravity of his role in shaping the party’s approach to reconciliation.

Maintaining a steadfast stance against the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Gandapur asserted that PTI’s mandate was unlawfully seized through extensive electoral fraud.

He vehemently stated, “We will not entertain any reconciliation with those who have illegitimately usurped our mandate. Our resolve is to establish a robust system that safeguards against future attempts to subvert the will of the people.”

The K-P chief minister affirmed that the provincial government is committed to maintaining a working relationship with the federal government for the collective benefit of all stakeholders. However, he emphasized that cooperation would not extend to condoning actions that undermine the democratic process.

“The federal government’s illegitimate acquisition of our party’s mandate cannot be overlooked, and we cannot engage in collaboration with those who have manipulated the electoral system,” he asserted.

He also demanded of the Supreme Court chief justice to form an inquiry commission to probe the May 9 riots. The riots led to a crackdown against PTI members across the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2024.