PTBP Web Desk
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has finalized the formation of his 13-member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet, marking a significant step in establishing his provincial administration. The oath-taking ceremony for the newly appointed cabinet members is scheduled for Friday (today) at 3:00 PM at the Governor House in Peshawar, according to a report by Aaj News.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has signed the summary sent by Chief Minister Afridi, formally approving the cabinet appointments. The ceremony will witness the swearing-in of ministers, advisors, and a special assistant, completing the initial phase of the KP government’s structure.
The new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet consists of 13 members in total — 10 ministers, two advisors, and one special assistant. This diverse team, selected by CM Sohail Afridi, reflects a combination of political experience, administrative capability, and regional representation, ensuring inclusivity from various parts of the province.
According to details shared by the Governor House, former Finance Advisor Muzzammil Aslam has been inducted as part of the cabinet. Alongside him, notable members include Mina Khan, Fazal Shakoor, Faisal Khan Tarakai, Aqibullah, Shafi Jan, Khaliq-ur-Rehman, and Dr. Amjad.
From Buner district, Riaz Khan, Fakhar Jahan, and Taj Muhammad Tarand have also been added, strengthening regional representation.
Chief Minister Afridi’s decision to appoint these members is driven by his vision to build a competent and effective provincial team capable of addressing governance challenges and public welfare priorities. He emphasized that the inclusion of experienced and dynamic individuals in key positions will help streamline administrative operations, boost development initiatives, and improve service delivery across the province.
A source close to the CM’s office told local media that Afridi intends to focus on financial discipline, infrastructure development, education reform, and health services as core policy areas during his tenure. The inclusion of seasoned professionals like Muzzammil Aslam is expected to help the provincial government design a fiscally responsible budget strategy, addressing long-standing financial challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Governor House, Peshawar, at 3:00 PM, where all 13 nominated members are expected to attend.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will administer the oath in the presence of provincial and federal officials, senior bureaucrats, and political figures.
Sources at the Governor House stated that the ceremony will be broadcast by state and local media outlets, emphasizing the importance of this administrative milestone in the province. Following the ceremony, the newly appointed cabinet members will officially assume their portfolios and begin their responsibilities.
The composition of the KP cabinet brings together members with diverse political and professional backgrounds:
- Muzzammil Aslam – A well-known economist and former finance advisor, expected to handle key financial and economic affairs.
- Faisal Khan Tarakai – Recognized for his administrative experience, he is expected to play a role in provincial governance and planning.
- Fazal Shakoor – Known for his political engagement and grassroots connections, he may focus on local government or social welfare portfolios.
- Mina Khan – Represents female leadership in the cabinet, reflecting Afridi’s commitment to gender inclusion in governance.
- Riaz Khan, Fakhar Jahan, Taj Muhammad Tarand – Their inclusion from Buner indicates Afridi’s focus on balanced geographical representation and community development.
Political analysts view CM Afridi’s cabinet formation as a strategic mix of experience and loyalty, designed to balance political dynamics within the province. By selecting representatives from various districts, the CM has ensured that different ethnic, regional, and political groups have a voice in policymaking.
This approach is expected to promote stability within the provincial assembly and strengthen coordination between the executive and legislative branches of the KP government.
Observers also note that Afridi’s cabinet structure mirrors a continuity of governance seen in previous provincial setups but includes an added emphasis on accountability and public service reform. The CM’s office has highlighted plans to introduce digital governance systems, transparent procurement mechanisms, and performance monitoring frameworks to ensure efficient service delivery.
Additionally, the government is expected to prioritize economic growth through CPEC-related projects, energy development, and investment promotion, in coordination with the federal government and private sector.
The formation of this cabinet comes at a crucial time as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces significant challenges, including security concerns, fiscal constraints, and developmental disparities across districts. CM Sohail Afridi’s ability to navigate these challenges through a unified cabinet will likely determine the effectiveness and longevity of his administration.
Political observers suggest that the CM’s next move will involve assigning specific portfolios to each member based on expertise and political balance. The focus will be on ensuring that every department—from finance to health and from local governance to education—operates efficiently under capable leadership.
With the new cabinet in place, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s political and administrative machinery is expected to gain renewed momentum as the province enters a new phase of governance.
