'Revolt' against CM Mahmood: Governor KP de-notifies three KP ministers

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government Sunday removed its three of its ministers including senior minister from their positions to foil a revolt against Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. The trio was allegedly spearheading a pressure group.

The notification of their removal from the cabinet was issued by the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman while exercising his powers under Clause 3 of the Article 132 of the Constitution read with Clause 1 of the Article 195.

The three sacked ministers are: Mohammad Atif Khan, Shahram Khan Tarakai and Shakeel Ahmed. Mohammad Atif Khan, a senior minister in the cabinet, was holding portfolios of tourism, sports, culture and youth affairs. Shahram Khan Tarakai was KP minister for Health and Shakeel Ahmed was minister for Revenue and Estate.

The portfolio of the Shahram Khan Tarakai, a close relative of Mohammad Atif Khan was recently changed that have annoyed both ministers. In the general elections of 2013, Shahram Khan Tarakai was elected on the ticket of Swabi Democratic Alliance that had joined hands with PTI in formation of the first provincial government. The group later merged into the PTI.

According to sources, the three ministers were alleged masterminds of 'a pressure group' against the provincial government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). They have held three meetings of their group. A similar, forward bloc had also been emerged in the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Punjab Assembly.

The newly-emerged forward bloc has reportedly joined by a large number of Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) belonging to South and Central Punjab. Sources revealed that the number of the bloc's members reaches near 30 so far.

It observed that the dissident members were annoyed for not being taken into confidence over large-scale transfers in bureaucracy and issuance of development funds. The disgruntled members had held two meetings with a month with the Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.