PESHAWAR – Mahmud Khan, who took oath as 22nd Chief Minister KhyberPakthunkhwa here Friday at Governor House became the first politicianbelonged to the KP’s largest administrative division of Malakand to run anaffairs of Provincial Government for next five years (2018-23).

Mahmud Khan elected MPA on ticket of PTI from PK-9 (Swat-VIII) in 2018General Election swept by Pakistan Tahrik e Insaf and the two-thirdmajority achieved by the PTI in KP Assembly made an easy sailing for him toachieve an easy win over candidate of the joint opposition Mian Nisar Gul.

He was elected Chief Minister KP on August 16, 2018 after receiving 77votes against Nisar Gul who secured only 33 votes, thus defeating thelatter with 44 votes.

On August 8, 2018, Mahmud Khan was nominated by PTI Chief Imran Khankeeping in view his past excellent performance as Minister for Sports,Tourism and Irrigation during the cabinet of Pervez Khattak.

Mahmud Khan had successfully arranged scores of sports, culture, youth andtourism events in the province during last five years as a record 35000youth first at Tehsil level and than 11500 at District level participatedin the historical Under-23 Games wherein provincial and national players at26 male and 17 female disciplines took part besides constructing more than130 sports stadiums at district and tehsil level in Khyber Pakthunkhwa. Heplayed college and university’s level cricket during his educational careerwith great passion for sports.During his tenure as Sports Minister, the athletes were given properplaying kits for first time including playing equipment, playing kits,shoes, uniform, track-suite, handsome cash prizes for the top positionholders, medalists and above all sports and education scholarship of aroundRs50 million were distributed among players of Under-23 Games held in 2016,2017 and 2018.Mahmud Khan was born at lush green Matta town in Swat district in 1972 in apolitical background family and earned respect for social services.

He obtained his early education from Government Primary School Matta anddone his matriculation from Peshawar Public School and College. Khan wasdecorated with MSc Agriculture (Hons) from University of Agriculture,Peshawar.

Considered a strong loyalist of PTI Chief Imran Khan, Khan has entered intopractical politics after his election as Nazim Union Council Khariri ofTehsil Matta on several occasions from 2005-2012. Mahmud Khan has quit PPPbefore joining of caravan of PTI Chief Imran Khan in 2012 and made deepinroads in PTI and became its President Malakannd Division.

Later, Mahmud Khan contested 2013 election from his hometown Matta andelected MPA from then PK-84 Swat V on ticket of PTI. He was assigned thechallenging portfolio of Sports, Tourism, Museums, Archeology, Culture andYouth Affairs in Pervez Khattak’s Cabinet, receiving commendations from PTIChief Imran Khan over his excellent performance. Khan retained MPA seatfrom PK-9 Swat in July 25, 2018 election and made headlines when he wasnominated by PTI Chief Imran Khan for coveted slot of Chief Minister KP.

After his election as Chief Minister KP on Thursday last, Mahmud Khan inhis first address on the floor of the house, vowed to take all stakeholdersincluding the opposition, media and bureaucrats on board while runningaffairs of the government.

Sitting his priorities, the CM reiterated that his government would notmake compromise on the vision of Imran Khan regarding adherence to the goodgovernance, supremacy of merit, transparency and would continue fightagainst corruption besides make investment in human resources, protect,achieve rights of province, improve health, education and social services,empower women and will ensure rights of minorities.

As the process of transition of power in KP has almost been completed afteroath taking of Chief Minister today, the real challenge for Mahmud Govt’swould be increasing of provincial rights and revenue generation, addressingissues of unemployment, illiteracy and poverty’s alleviation, constructionof metro bus in Peshawar and Swat Expressway.

People of KP have pinned highest expectations from newly elected ChiefMinister and if Mehmud’s administration succeeded in resolution of theseissues would be considered a big victory of PTI.