Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s new Education Minister Akbar Ayub hasn’t studied beyond matric, Geo News has reported.

In a major cabinet reshuffle made by the KP chief minister (CM) on Saturday, Ayub was handed reins of the education department. He was earlier serving as the minister for communication and works department.

According to reports, KP provincial assembly’s official website shows that Ayub’s educational qualification is matric. The same has been listed in an affidavit submitted by the education minister, which also states his occupation as a businessman and a landlord.

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A copy of Akbar Ayub Khan’s documents submitted to the ECP. 

Speaking to Geo News, the minister said that his education qualification “did not matter”. Ayub said he was experienced in educational and administrative affairs.

Backing his statement, KP Information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai said Ayub had vast administrative experience.

“It does not matter what degree he holds,” said Yousafzai. “He has studied from a reputable institute and is a capable man.”

In a separate video message, Yousafzai said one should not question Ayub’s capabilities solely due to the fact that he had not studied beyond matriculation level.

“He left for Canada to pursue the construction business while he was in grade 12,” said the information minister. “He is a skilled man and we should extract benefit from his experience and capabilities.”

Yousafzai said the education minister could speak to foreign diplomats and dignitaries as “his English is the best”. He said since education had been bifurcated into two parts, Ayub was given charge of the elementary education, not secondary. 

“He has to run an institute and for that, he has ample experience in the past as a minister,” he said.