K-P cabinet swells beyond limit

Opposition calls for resignations to meet necessary number

PESHAWAR:

During the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session, the government found itself caught in a constitutional dilemma when the cabinet exceeded the limit of 16 members set by the Constitution. Ahmad Kundi from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) pointed out this violation. He stated that, according to Article 130, Clause 9 of the Constitution, granting the status of a minister to the advisor for finance is unconstitutional.

This, he argued, could render the government's orders and assembly proceedings illegal. After an extensive debate, the government assured that it would review the constitutional aspects of granting ministerial status to the finance advisor.

Ahmad Kundi highlighted to the assembly that, under Article 130 of the Constitution, the cabinet size should not exceed 16 members, but by designating the Finance Advisor as a minister, the government has acted unconstitutionally.

He suggested that either the government obtain the resignation of one minister or retract the notification granting the advisor for finance ministerial status. He emphasised that this notification is a violation of Article 130, Clause 9, and that such an unconstitutional move could make the government's actions and the assembly proceedings illegal.

The law minister responded by saying that they are committed to upholding the Constitution and would never act against it.

He questioned why there was no concern for constitutional violations when general elections were not held within 90 days, and an unconstitutional government was formed under Form 47. Nonetheless, he assured that the matter would be reviewed from a constitutional perspective.

The minister further clarified that since the finance advisor has not taken an oath, he cannot be considered a minister, though he has been granted the rank of one.

Call to attention notice

Meanwhile, a call to attention notice regarding recruitments in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has been referred to the relevant committee, while the government has assured that the shortage of healthcare facilities in Dera Ismail Khan will be addressed by resolving issues at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and other health centers facing deficiencies.

During the session, Adnan Khan from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz presented a call to attention notice, highlighting that under the National Action Plan, a decision was made to recruit staff in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department, creating various positions.

Although advertisements for these positions were published and tests were conducted, appointments have not yet been made. K-P Law Minister Aftab Alam responded, noting that several proposals were considered and that the police also provided suggestions; recruitment for these positions should have been completed by now.