Some members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have raised concerns regarding the inclusion of Pervez Khattak, a former close aide of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, in the federal cabinet.
Speaking on private news channel PML-N leader Ikhtiar Wali revealed that several party members were unhappy with the appointment of Khattak, who had previously served as the Defence Minister and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister during PTI’s time in power. Wali noted that due to political differences, some PML-N leaders had avoided speaking to Khattak for the past 15 to 16 years.
Additionally, Wali mentioned that there is a growing sentiment within PML-N that party members without a Punjab domicile often feel sidelined.
Khattak was among the several politicians appointed to the federal cabinet last week, with the former PTI leader taking on the role of advisor to the Prime Minister. This expanded the federal cabinet, increasing its size from 25 to 50 members, which now includes 12 federal ministers, nine ministers of state, three advisers to the Prime Minister, and four special assistants to the Prime Minister.
Khattak had resigned from his position in PTI in June 2023 following the May 9 riots. He later formed his own party, PTI-Parliamentarians. However, after a failed general election campaign, in which he lost every seat he contested, Khattak stepped down from his party leadership position.
