K-P CM finalises cabinet, awaits Imran's nod

Afridi set to seek Adiala approval for lineup, including ex-ministers, two women

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister has finalized the list of names for his provincial cabinet, which will be presented for final approval to the founding chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to party sources, the Chief Minister has decided to include two women in the new cabinet, aiming for a more inclusive setup.

Reliable PTI sources revealed that former ministers Muzammil Aslam and Barrister Dr Saif are among those who will retain their positions in the new cabinet. Others likely to be included are Taimur Jhagra, Irfan Saleem, Taj Muhammad, and Arbab Asim. Muzammil Aslam is expected to take charge as Finance Minister, while Barrister Saif will also play a key role in the cabinet.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to travel to Islamabad to meet the PTI founding chairman in Adiala Jail to seek his final approval for the cabinet lineup. However, if permission for the meeting is not granted, the Chief Minister plans to approach the Islamabad High Court to obtain legal consent for the visit.

Sources further disclosed that Faisal Tarakai and Aqibullah have also been recommended for inclusion in the cabinet, although the party leadership has asked the Chief Minister to address certain concerns raised by the founding chairman regarding their reappointment.

In addition, Malik Liaquat Ali is expected to serve as a special assistant to the Chief Minister. The inclusion of experienced members from the previous government indicates a continuity of administrative strategy and fiscal policy.

The final announcement of the provincial cabinet is expected soon after the Chief Minister's meeting with the PTI founding chairman. Party insiders say the new cabinet aims to balance political loyalty, administrative experience, and representation of women, ensuring stability and effective governance in the province's next phase.

It may be mentioned here that Mohammad Sohail Afridi, the newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, took the oath of office at a ceremony held at the Governor House in Peshawar on Wednesday.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath. The event, however, was marred by severe disorder and mismanagement. Before the chief minister's arrival, PTI workers occupied the stage and surrounded it in large numbers, chanting slogans and engaging in pushing and shoving, even during the national anthem.