Punjab reshuffle: Aleem Khan resigns; five more ministers to go home over ‘poor performance’

ISLAMABAD: In a major shock for the Punjab government, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and senior provincial minister Abdul Aleem Khan has resigned while another three members of Punjab cabinet close to Jahangir Tareen are likely to be shown the door.
A source said that Aleem Khan has written in his resignation that he cannot take over the ministry due to personal commitments.
According to the source in the ruling party, Abdul Aleem Khan had informed the prime minister about his resignation after PM Imran became angry with Aleem Khan for carrying on his personal friendship witj PTIs ousted leader Jahangir Khan Tareen.
According to source, senior minister Aleem Khan tendered his resignation in a meeting with the prime minister a few days ago. Aleem Khan was awaiting the prime minister’s response on accepting the resignation but after a cold shoulder by the PM, Aleem Imran finally submitted his resignation.
Aleem Khan took a stand in his resignation that he could not handle the ministry due to personal commitments, so the resignation should be accepted. Senior provincial minister Aleem Khan said that he had met the 0rime minister six months ago and asked for permission to resign in the meeting but the Prime Minister had told me to wait. He said that he informed the prime minister that he would not continue his responsibilities due to personal commitments.
The source said that It should be noted that Aleem Khan is among the ministers whose ministries are likely to be changed and he resigned after being informed that he would be replaced.
The source said that there is a possibility of change of ministries of five more ministers on the report of authoritative bodies in the Punjab cabinet.
“Authoritative bodies have compiled reports on the performance of ministers for the past three years. The report will be submitted to Prime Minister Imran Khan soon,” the source said.
“After the approval of the prime minister, the chief minister will reshuffle the Punjab cabinet,” the source said.
The source said that the portfolios of five ministers are likely to be withdrawn due to unsatisfactory performance over past three years.
“Among the ministers whose ministries are at risk are the ministers of the Tareen group,” the source said.
The sources added that Labour Minister Ansar Majeed Niazi, Noman Langarial and Ajmal Cheema could also be removed.
Minister for Transport Jahanzeb Khichi, Minister for Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Rashid Hafeez, Minister for Environment Bao Rizwan and Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun are also likely to be replaced. The source said that new party lawmakers could be given the ministries in cabinet reshuffle.