Controversial appointment: G-B interim cabinet faces allegations of nepotism

Former opposition leader reportedly struck a deal to get nephew appointed .

GILGIT:

The newly-inducted Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) interim cabinet continues to draw criticism from locals and politicians, the latest being allegations of nepotism. Former opposition leader Janbaz Khan has reportedly gotten his relative inducted despite fierce opposition from various quarters.

Khan’s nephew, Basharatullah, is among the 12 cabinet members sworn in on Saturday by G-B Governor Pir Karam Ali in Islamabad.

It has widely been reported in local media and claimed by politicians that Khan struck a deal with some ‘influentials’ in the caretaker set-up and in the Ministry of G-B and Kashmir Affairs while the interim government was being set up in December.

The news of Basharatullah’s induction to the cabinet last week triggered protests in Chilas, headquarters of Diamer district and hometown of both Khan and Basharat. The protests continued for three days and demonstrators blocked roads in the town asking the government to withdraw its decision, while opposition parties termed Basharat’s appointment the “worst example of nepotism” and a part of pre-poll rigging.

“In the parliamentary board meeting of PML-N in Islamabad, Basharat was recommended for the slot of an interim minister despite opposition from within the party,” said a politician who attended the meeting held in Islamabad earlier this week.

PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq chaired the meeting, while Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for G-B and Kashmir Affairs Birjis Tahir, PML-N Secretary General Zafar Iqbal Jhagra and PML-N G-B President Hafeezur Rahman were in attendance.

Khan and Basharat could not be contacted for comment despite repeated attempts.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2015.