KP Governor Approves Cabinet Expansion; Oath-Taking Set for Tomorrow in Peshawar
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has officially approved the expansion of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial cabinet, marking a significant restructuring of the provincial government. The newly inducted members are scheduled to take their oaths tomorrow, Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Governor House in Peshawar.
The expansion follows an 18-member summary prepared by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. This move is designed to bolster the government’s capacity and ensure a more balanced administrative approach across the province.
Detailed Breakdown of the 18-Member Expansion
The expanded cabinet will integrate 18 new members into the provincial administration. This group is composed of six provincial ministers, four advisers, and eight special assistants.
New Provincial Ministers
The newly selected provincial ministers include:
- Nazir Ahmed Abbasi
- Shakeel Ahmed
- Muhammad Adnan Qadri
- Muhammad Arif
- Tariq Mahmood Aryani
- Shafiullah Jan
Notably, Shafiullah Jan transitions into a full ministerial role after previously serving the administration as the Special Assistant for Information.
Advisers and Special Assistants
To support the expanded ministerial functions, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has appointed four advisers:
- Pir Musawir Khan
- Liaqat Ali Khan
- Humayun Khan
- Mian Muhammad Umar
eight individuals have been appointed as special assistants to the Chief Minister:
- Tariq Saeed
- Muhammad Usman
- Tufail Anjum
- Iftikharullah Jan
- Samiullah Khan
- Malik Adeel Iqbal
- Muhammad Khurshid
- Muhammad Israr
Strategic Goals: Representation and Administrative Activity
Political observers view this cabinet expansion as a strategic effort by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to create a more active and dynamic government team. By bringing in new faces, the administration aims to improve efficiency and ensure that different regions and various groups within the party are adequately represented in the decision-making process.
Relief for KP: Lockdown Restrictions to Ease
In a parallel development, Governor Kundi and Chief Minister Afridi have reached an agreement to ease lockdown restrictions within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This decision follows discussions between the Governor and the Chief Minister aimed at adjusting current provincial restrictions.
Quick Facts: Cabinet Expansion at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | KP Cabinet Oath-Taking Ceremony |
| Date & Time | May 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM |
| Location | Governor House, Peshawar |
| Total New Members | 18 (6 Ministers, 4 Advisers, 8 Special Assistants) |
| Key Approvals | Governor Faisal Karim Kundi & CM Sohail Afridi |
The upcoming oath-taking ceremony is expected to finalize the new government structure, allowing the expanded team to immediately begin addressing provincial governance and the easing of lockdown measures.