Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday announced an 11-member advisory council to assist Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in managing provincial affairs. Addressing a press conference, Tarar stated that the council members are primarily technocrats with expertise in their respective fields, tasked with implementing reforms and steering the province toward progress.
He emphasized that the selection was merit-based, balancing regional representation with professional skill. The minister was accompanied by Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and MNA Samar Haroon Bilour during the announcement.
The council includes Kifayatullah Khan, a former IG Prisons and former chairman of the Fata Tribunal, who will advise on the Home Department. Tariq Mehmood Pasha, former chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and former secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, has been appointed for Finance.
Amir Javed, an Advocate of the Supreme Court and former advocate general of KP, will oversee Law. Dr. Syed Amir Abdullah will oversee Education, while Lt. Gen. (retd) Nigar Johar Khan will provide expertise on Health.
These appointments are designed to bring administrative stability to the province during the current constitutional transition. Other key appointments include Dr. Sarfaraz Ali Shah for Mines and Minerals, and Dr. Muhammad Irshad for Industries and Commerce.
Asif Rafiq Afridi will handle Communication and Works, while Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi will advise on Religious Affairs. Osman Saifullah Khan has been tasked with Energy, and MNA Samar Haroon Bilour will oversee Information and Broadcasting.
The council is expected to begin its duties immediately to address the governance challenges facing the province. Minister Tarar highlighted that the council members were chosen for their integrity and track records in public service.
He noted that the federal government is committed to ensuring that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receive efficient governance despite the ongoing political situation. During the briefing, Tarar strongly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial government.
He alleged that the previous administration's policies had led to severe instability and the loss of thousands of lives across the province. He further stated that the current constitutional provisions, which led to the suspension of the provincial assembly's normal functions, necessitated the formation of this advisory body to prevent a governance vacuum.
The federal government maintains that this council will act as a bridge between the federal administration and the provincial departments to ensure the continuity of essential services and development projects.