The formation of the 15-member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet has stirred controversy as familial links and nepotism appear to have played a dominant role in the selection process, despite claims of appointments being based on merit.
The cabinet, purportedly finalized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in consultation with KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, includes several relatives of prominent PTI leaders.
Notable among them are Omar Ayub’s cousin, Arshad Ayub Khan, and Asad Qaiser’s younger brother, Aqib Ullah Khan, who secured seats in the provincial executive body. Additionally, Faisal Taraki, brother of senior provincial leader Shahram Khan Tarakai, and Adnan Qadri, nephew of former federal minister Noorul Haq Qadri, have also been appointed.
Sher Afzal Marwat’s brother, Khalid Latif, has been named as the chief minister’s special advisor, further highlighting the prevalence of familial connections in the cabinet.
Despite assertions of merit-based appointments, the selection process has raised eyebrows, with PTI’s Shah Toor defending the choices, attributing them to the approval of the PTI founder.
Interestingly, many of the cabinet members were reportedly unaware of their selection, indicating a lack of transparency and consultation in the process.
The cabinet’s composition underscores concerns regarding nepotism and favoritism within the PTI ranks, overshadowing claims of meritocracy and raising questions about the party’s commitment to principles of accountability and fair governance.
