Appointment of KP CM
PESHAWAR: An essential meeting is scheduled today at the CM House to discuss the appointment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s caretaker chief minister. The former interim CM, Muhammad Azam Khan, passed away at 89 the previous day after falling ill and suffering a heart attack.
Appointed as caretaker chief minister in January following the provincial assembly’s dissolution by the PTI-led government, Azam’s demise prompts discussions led by KP’s former CM Mahmood Khan and Opposition leader Akram Khan Durrani. The leaders aim to decide on a new CM within three days, addressing the political crisis triggered by Azam’s death.
Durrani expresses confidence in resolving the matter, emphasizing preparedness in discussing the interim CM’s appointment and persuading Mahmood Khan. The opposition suggests potential candidates for caretaker CM include politicians or bureaucrats.
KP Advocate General Amir Javid’s letter to Governor Ghulam Ali recommends implementing Article 224 of the Constitution. Javid underscores the invitation of the former CM and the Opposition leader for discussions on the appointment, emphasizing completion within three days. Overall, the meeting on Sunday at CM House to address the appointment of KP caretaker CM, amid former interim CM Azam Khan’s recent passing.
PTI Firm: Refuses to Accept Caretaker CM for KP
PTI leader Zahir Khan Toru declared that the party would reject any chief minister appointed by the former CM and opposition leader. Toru emphasized the party’s intention to take legal action if Khan and Durrani decide the new chief minister’s appointment. He insisted on a constitutional resolution, asserting that the governor should not devise his own formulas.
He stated, “Mahmood Khan, Ghulam Ali, and Akram Khan Durrani choosing the new CM will be a political decision,” noting a lack of expectation for a level playing field from the selected CM.
New KP Interim CM: Decision-Making Authority in Question
Article 224 of the Constitution dictates that the governor approves the caretaker chief minister’s appointment when the house leader and opposition leader submit a consensus-based name.
If there’s no agreement, Article 224-A mandates a provincial assembly committee to decide. Failing consensus, the Election Commission of Pakistan selects the caretaker chief minister from government and opposition proposals.
The caretaker cabinet is appointed on the caretaker chief minister’s recommendation, following the Constitution’s stipulations. The Constitution explicitly outlines that the caretaker chief minister is appointed with the consensus of the house leader and opposition leader. This process is mirrored in provincial assemblies.
According to the Constitution, the provincial assembly or ECP is solely responsible for appointing the caretaker chief minister in cases of non-consensus. Neither the Senate nor the National Assembly plays a role in this appointment.
