PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has finalized a 13-member provincial cabinet, reportedly disregarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s suggestion to keep the team compact.
Party insiders revealed that Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, had advised that the KP cabinet should not exceed eight members and should consist mainly of senior and previously overlooked party figures. However, CM Afridi opted for a broader composition, including several controversial selections.
According to sources, Imran had specifically opposed the inclusion of Aqibullah Khan brother of former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser as well as Faisal Tarakai, brother of Shahram Tarakai, and ex-minister Shakeel Khan. Despite this, all three were inducted into the final lineup.
A senior PTI leader told The News that many of Imran’s personal recommendations were ignored, including those concerning experienced members who were left out.
Provincial Minister Meena Khan, however, downplayed the reports of defiance, clarifying that there were “no formal directions” from the PTI founder. “Imran Khan had only suggested keeping the cabinet small and empowered the chief minister to choose his team independently,” he said. “Changes can still be made at any time since Imran Khan retains the authority to alter the cabinet.”
The newly announced cabinet, Meena Khan added, includes a blend of seasoned politicians and young newcomers, with three members who were not part of the previous administration under Ali Amin Gandapur.
Nevertheless, discontent has surfaced within the party ranks. The inclusion of Aqibullah Khan and Faisal Tarakai reportedly caused unease among PTI members, while several sidelined MPAs and former ministers have begun lobbying for future inclusion. A senior insider described the situation as “another reflection of the growing rifts” within PTI’s KP chapter.
Observers noted that several regions remain unrepresented in the new setup. Notable absentees include Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Kamran Bangash, and Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif — once a close aide to both Imran Khan and the establishment. Others who failed to make the cut include former Peshawar nazim Asim Khan, Major (Retd) Sajjad Barkwal, Adnan Qadri, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, and Zahir Shah Toru.
The 13-member cabinet was officially unveiled late Thursday night, with the oath-taking ceremony held at the Governor’s House. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath in the presence of Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, cabinet members, and senior provincial officials.
