Nepotism allegations cast shadow over Gandapur’s new cabinet

PESHAWAR: Concerns over nepotism have emerged in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet, with several members reportedly having familial ties to influential figures within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The cabinet, recently sworn in following approval from imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has sparked controversy over its composition.

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According to sources cited by The News, the swearing-in ceremony conducted by KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali saw the inclusion of individuals related to prominent PTI leaders. Notably, Faisal Tarakai, sibling of senior party figure Shahram Khan Tarakai, and Adnan Qadri, nephew of former federal minister Noorul Haq Qadri, have been appointed to key positions.

In addition, Arshad Ayub Khan, cousin of PTI’s Secretary General Omar Ayub, and Aqib Ullah Khan, brother of senior party member Asad Qaiser, have also secured cabinet roles. Meanwhile, Khalid Latif, brother of prominent PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, has been named as the chief minister’s special advisor.

The cabinet further comprises individuals such as Shakeel Ahmad, Fazal Hakim Khan, and Meena Khan, among others, as reported by The News. Additionally, several advisors to the chief minister, including Muzzammil Aslam and Muhammad Ali Saif, have been appointed.

Responding to criticisms, PTI’s Shah Toor defended the appointments, asserting that they were made based on merit and with the approval of the party founder. Despite these claims, reports suggest that many of the newly appointed cabinet members were unaware of their selection until the official announcement.

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The formation of the 15-member cabinet follows Chief Minister Gandapur’s consultation with the incarcerated party founder, in a meeting held at Adiala jail, Rawalpindi. However, the secrecy surrounding the selection process has raised eyebrows, with sources indicating internal party pressure to accommodate specific nominees.