Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has decided not to include former ministers Kamran Bangash and Taimur Saleem Jhagra in his cabinet, despite previous recommendations from the PTI leadership. This decision has sparked discussions within political circles, as both individuals have played significant roles in past PTI-led governments in the province.
Ali Amin Gandapur’s Firm Stance
According to reliable sources, Ali Amin Gandapur successfully persuaded PTI’s founder to reconsider the inclusion of Kamran Bangash and Taimur Jhagra in the provincial cabinet. While the founder of PTI had previously suggested their inclusion, Gandapur managed to convince him otherwise, leading to their exclusion.
Political analysts believe this move is part of Gandapur’s strategy to maintain control over his cabinet and surround himself with ministers who align closely with his governance style. This decision also reflects a shift in internal party dynamics, as certain figures who held significant positions in the past administration are now being sidelined.
Taimur Jhagra’s Response
Former KP Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, while speaking to Geo News, stated that the matter is internal and does not warrant public discussion. He emphasized that making any remarks could be detrimental to the broader objectives of PTI’s founder.
“I do not believe in backstabbing colleagues. In the first PTI government, I was given two major ministries by the founder of PTI, and recently, he even called me. However, I was not allowed to meet him,” said Jhagra.
His remarks hint at internal party struggles, possibly indicating a growing divide between senior PTI leaders and those currently in power in KP.
Barrister Saif’s Statement
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, KP’s Information Advisor, also addressed the matter, stating that cabinet appointments are an internal party issue and should not be debated in the media. He refrained from making any further comments on the situation, reinforcing the notion that the decision was purely based on internal party considerations.
Imran Khan’s Initial Recommendation
Sources indicate that PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, had previously instructed Ali Amin Gandapur to include both Kamran Bangash and Taimur Jhagra in the cabinet. Senior party leaders had reportedly conveyed Khan’s message to the KP Chief Minister, urging him to consider their inclusion. However, despite these recommendations, Gandapur opted to move forward without them, signaling a shift in decision-making power within the provincial leadership.
Reasons Behind the Exclusion
While official reasons for their exclusion have not been disclosed, there are several speculated factors:
- Power Struggles: Gandapur may want a fresh team that aligns more closely with his policies and vision.
- Political Strategy: The decision may be part of a broader strategy to reorganize PTI’s leadership in KP and introduce new faces.
- Internal Conflicts: Reports suggest that differences may have emerged between Gandapur and the two former ministers, leading to their removal from consideration.
Potential Impact on PTI’s Politics in KP
The exclusion of Kamran Bangash and Taimur Jhagra could have significant implications for PTI’s political landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both leaders have strong followings and have played crucial roles in the party’s governance in the past. Their absence from the cabinet may lead to discontent among their supporters and create potential rifts within PTI’s provincial ranks.
Additionally, this decision could impact PTI’s governance approach in KP. If Gandapur’s new team fails to deliver on key promises, there could be growing pressure to reconsider the excluded leaders in future decision-making processes.
Ali Amin Gandapur’s decision to exclude Kamran Bangash and Taimur Jhagra from the KP cabinet marks a major shift in the province’s political dynamics. While PTI’s founder had initially recommended their inclusion, Gandapur successfully convinced him otherwise. This move highlights changing power structures within PTI and raises questions about the future roles of both former ministers in the party.
As PTI continues to navigate internal challenges, the effectiveness of Gandapur’s newly formed cabinet will be closely watched. Whether this decision strengthens PTI’s governance in KP or leads to internal tensions remains to be seen.
