The newly formed 13-member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has reportedly ignored the instructions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

 

According to reports, Imran Khan had directed that the provincial cabinet should not exceed eight members and should remain in single digits. However, a 13-member cabinet took oath from the KP governor on Friday. 

 

Reports citing a senior party leader revealed that Imran Khan had clearly advised against including Asad Qaiser’s brother Aqibullah Khan, Shahram Tarakai’s brother Faisal Tarakai, and former provincial minister Shakeel Khan in the cabinet. Despite his instructions, all three were included.

 

Reports added that Khan had also suggested including senior PTI members who had been previously overlooked.

 

Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi, however, denied the claims and said Imran Khan did not issue any strict orders but only sent a message suggesting that the cabinet should be kept small. He added that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had the authority to select his own cabinet members.

 

Meena Khan said changes could still be made to the cabinet, adding that Imran Khan could include or remove anyone he wanted. He said the cabinet includes both experienced ministers and young faces, ensuring a mix of expertise and fresh energy.