Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is the head of the provincial government in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The Chief Minister is responsible for the administration and governance of the province, implementing laws, and overseeing the execution of provincial policies.
Here are some key aspects of the role and responsibilities of the Chief Minister:
Key Responsibilities:
- Executive Authority: The Chief Minister holds the executive authority within the province and is responsible for the implementation of policies, decisions, and laws enacted by the provincial assembly.
- Legislative Role: The Chief Minister plays a crucial role in the legislative process by proposing bills and policies for the provincial assembly’s consideration and ensuring their effective implementation once passed.
- Cabinet Leadership: The Chief Minister leads the provincial cabinet, which consists of ministers appointed to oversee various departments and sectors such as health, education, finance, and infrastructure.
- Policy Formulation: The Chief Minister is involved in formulating policies that address the socio-economic needs of the province, including development plans, budget allocations, and public welfare programs.
- Coordination with Federal Government: The Chief Minister liaises with the federal government to ensure that provincial interests are represented and that there is coordination on issues that require federal support or intervention.
- Crisis Management: In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, security threats, or public health emergencies, the Chief Minister coordinates response efforts and ensures that appropriate measures are taken to protect and assist the populace.
- Public Representation: The Chief Minister represents the province in various forums, both nationally and internationally, promoting the province’s interests and initiatives.
Appointment and Term:
- Appointment: The Chief Minister is elected by the members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly. Typically, the leader of the majority party or coalition in the assembly is invited to form the government and is appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Term: The Chief Minister serves for a term of five years, coinciding with the term of the provincial assembly, unless removed by a vote of no confidence or resignation.
Governor’s Rule and Martial Law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Governor’s Rule (10 November 1939 – 25 May 1943)
This period saw direct control by the Governor due to World War II. The provincial assembly was suspended, and the Governor managed administration and law and order.
Post Abolished (October 14, 1955 – June 30, 1970)
Under the One Unit policy, the office of the Chief Minister was abolished, merging the provinces into a single unit to centralize authority. This policy was reversed in 1970, restoring provincial autonomy.
Martial Law (July 1, 1970 – May 1, 1972)
General Yahya Khan imposed Martial Law, dissolving legislative assemblies and replacing civil governance with military rule. This period ended with a transition back to civilian government in May 1972.
Governor’s Rule (February 16, 1975 – May 3, 1975)
Political instability led to Governor’s Rule, suspending the provincial assembly. The Governor took direct control to restore stability, which ended in May 1975 with the return to civilian governance.
Martial Law (July 5, 1977 – April 7, 1985)
Following a military coup by General Zia-ul-Haq, Martial Law dissolved the provincial assembly. Military authorities governed until 1985, when civilian rule was restored.
Governor’s Rule (February 25, 1994 – April 24, 1994)
Due to political conflicts, Governor’s Rule was imposed, suspending the assembly. The Governor managed the province until April 1994, when civilian governance resumed.
Governor’s Rule (October 12, 1999 – November 30, 2002)
After General Pervez Musharraf’s coup, the provincial assembly was dissolved, and the Governor took over. This military governance lasted until November 2002, followed by a return to civilian rule.
List of all Chief Ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Here is a chronological list of individuals who have served as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
List of Pre-Independence
Abdul Qayyum Khan | |
Entered Office: 1 April 1937 Left Office: 7 September 1937 Tenure: 5 Months and 6 Days Political Party: Muslim Progressive Party Notable: He was the first Chief Minister of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) after the Government of India Act 1935 was implemented. | ![]() |
Abdul Jabbar Khan (1st time) | |
Entered Office: 7 September 1937 Left Office: 10 November 1939 Tenure: 2 Years, 2 Months and 3 Days Political Party: Indian National Congress Notable: Abdul Jabbar Khan, also known as Dr. Khan Sahib, was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in the region’s politics during the British Raj. | ![]() |
Aurangzeb Khan Gandapur | |
Entered Office: 25 May 1943 Left Office: 16 March 1945 Tenure: 1 Year, 10 Months and 21 Days Political Party: Muslim League Notable: He was associated with the All India Muslim League and worked towards promoting the party’s agenda in the province during his tenure. | ![]() |
Abdul Jabbar Khan (2nd time) | |
Entered Office: 16 March 1945 Left Office: 22 August 1947 Tenure: 2 Years, 5 Months and 6 Days Political Party: Indian National Congress Notable: During his second tenure, he continued to advocate for the rights and welfare of the people in the province. His leadership was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure and education. | ![]() |
List of Post-Independence
Abdul Qayyum Khan | |
Entered Office: August 23, 1947 Left Office: April 23, 1953 Tenure: 5 years and 8 months Political Party: Pakistan Muslim League Notable: As the first Chief Minister after the creation of Pakistan, Abdul Qayyum Khan played a pivotal role in shaping the early governance structure of the province. | ![]() |
Abdur Rashid Khan | |
Entered Office: April 23, 1953 Left Office: July 18, 1955 Tenure: 2 years, 2 months and 25 days Political Party: Pakistan Muslim League Notable: His tenure included efforts to stabilize the provincial administration during a period of national political change. | ![]() |
Khan Bahadur Khan | |
Entered Office: July 19, 1955 Left Office: October 14, 1955 Tenure: 2 months and 25 days Political Party: Pakistan Muslim League Notable: His brief tenure was marked by a transitional phase in the provincial administration, reflecting the political turbulence of the time. | ![]() |
Mufti Mehmood | |
Entered Office: March 1, 1972 Left Office: February 15, 1973 Tenure: 11 months and 15 days Political Party: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Notable: Mufti Mehmood’s leadership was instrumental in the political and social reforms of the early 1970s. | ![]() |
Inayatullah Khan Gandapur | |
Entered Office: April 29, 1973 Left Office: February 16, 1975 Tenure: 1 year, 10 months and 17 days Political Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: His administration focused on implementing policies of the Pakistan Peoples Party and addressing regional issues. | ![]() |
Nasrullah Khan Khattak | |
Entered Office: May 3, 1975 Left Office: April 9, 1977 Tenure: 1 year, 11 months and 24 days Political Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: His tenure was characterized by efforts to implement party policies and handle political unrest leading up to the 1977 elections. | ![]() |
Muhammad Iqbal Jadoon | |
Entered Office: April 9, 1977 Left Office: July 5, 1977 Tenure: 1 month and 26 days Political Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: His brief term was during a period of intense political change, marked by the transition to a new government. | ![]() |
Arbab Jehangir Khan | |
Entered Office: April 7, 1985 Left Office: May 31, 1988 Tenure: 3 years, 1 month and 24 days Political Party: Independent Notable: As an independent leader, he worked to manage provincial affairs amidst the political changes of the 1980s. | ![]() |
Fazle Haq (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: May 31, 1988 Left Office: December 2, 1988 Tenure: 6 months and 2 days Political Party: Caretaker Notable: His role as caretaker was crucial in overseeing the province’s administration during the transitional period before the new elections. | ![]() |
Aftab Ahmad Sherpao (1st time) | |
Entered Office: December 2, 1988 Left Office: August 7, 1990 Tenure: 1 year, 7 months and 25 days Political Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: His first term was noted for his efforts to stabilize the province and implement the policies of the Pakistan Peoples Party. | ![]() |
Mir Afzal Khan (acting till 8 Nov 1990) | |
Entered Office: August 7, 1990 Left Office: July 19, 1993 Tenure: 2 years, 11 months and 17 days Political Party: Islami Jamhoori Ittehad Notable: His term included significant political maneuvering during a period of transition and change in provincial governance. | ![]() |
Mufti Muhammad Abbas (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: July 20, 1993 Left Office: October 20, 1993 Tenure: 3 months Political Party: Caretaker Notable: Oversaw the province during a critical transitional period before the new elected government took office. | |
Pir Sabir Shah | |
Entered Office: October 20, 1993 Left Office: February 25, 1994 Tenure: 4 months and 5 days Political Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: His term focused on addressing regional issues and managing political dynamics in the province. | ![]() |
Aftab Ahmad Sherpao (2nd time) | |
Entered Office: April 24, 1994 Left Office: November 12, 1996 Tenure: 2 years, 6 months and 18 days Political Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: His second term was marked by ongoing political developments and efforts to implement party policies. | ![]() |
Raja Sikander Zaman (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: November 12, 1996 Left Office: February 21, 1997 Tenure: 3 months and 9 days Political Party: Caretaker Notable: Managed the province during a caretaker period, preparing for the next electoral phase. | ![]() |
Mehtab Ahmed Khan | |
Entered Office: February 21, 1997 Left Office: October 12, 1999 Tenure: 2 years, 7 months, and 21 days Political Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Known for his focus on provincial development and handling various challenges during his tenure. | ![]() |
Akram Khan Durrani | |
Entered Office: November 30, 2002 Left Office: October 11, 2007 Tenure: 4 years, 315 days (Full Term) Political Party: Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Notable: His tenure saw significant reforms and development projects, particularly in the areas of education and infrastructure. | ![]() |
Shamsul Mulk (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: October 11, 2007 Left Office: March 31, 2008 Tenure: 5 months and 20 days Political Party: Caretaker Notable: Oversaw the province during the interim period, ensuring smooth transition to the next elected government. | |
Haider Khan Hoti | |
Entered Office: March 31, 2008 Left Office: March 20, 2013 Tenure: 4 years, 354 days (Full Term) Political Party: Awami National Party Notable: Focused on development projects and reforms, particularly in education and healthcare. | ![]() |
Tariq Pervez Khan (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: March 20, 2013 Left Office: May 31, 2013 Tenure: 2 months and 11 days Political Party: Caretaker Notable: Managed the province during the transitional period leading up to the next election. | ![]() |
Parvez Khan Khattak | |
Entered Office: May 31, 2013 Left Office: June 6, 2018 Tenure: 5 years and 6 days (Full Term) Political Party: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Notable: His tenure was characterized by extensive development projects and governance reforms in line with PTI’s agenda. | ![]() |
Dost Muhammad Khan (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: June 6, 2018 Left Office: August 16, 2018 Tenure: 2 months and 11 days Political Party: Caretaker Notable: Managed the province during the caretaker phase before the election of the new Chief Minister. | ![]() |
Mahmood Khan | |
Entered Office: August 17, 2018 Left Office: January 21, 2023 Tenure: 4 years, 333 days Political Party: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Notable: His administration was noted for significant development initiatives and tackling various socio-economic issues. | ![]() |
Muhammad Azam Khan (Caretaker) | |
Entered Office: January 21, 2023 Left Office: November 11, 2023 Tenure: 294 days Political Party: Caretaker Notable: Oversaw the province during a transitional phase before the next elected government. | ![]() |
Arshad Hussain Shah | |
Entered Office: November 12, 2023 Left Office: March 1, 2024 Tenure: 110 days Political Party: None Notable: Served as a caretaker Chief Minister during a transitional period. | ![]() |
Ali Amin Gandapur | |
Entered Office: March 2, 2024 Tenure: Ongoing Political Party: Sunni Ittehad Council (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) Notable: The current Chief Minister, focusing on his party’s agenda and ongoing provincial issues. | ![]() |