The KP cabinet on Saturday went through a major shuffle, with two new ministers, one adviser and eight special assistants being inducted. Among the inductees was Akbar Ayub, about whom it has been reported that he is matric pass.
According to a report in Samaa, PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai defended the move and gave the example of UK prime minister John Mayor, who just had an FA degree; John Mayor left his education after completing his O-levels.
Yousafzai stated that Akbar Ayub was about to complete his 12th grade, but missed his final exams because he had to move to Canada.
Yousafzai viewed that when it came to leading a department, it was not the education that mattered, but the skills and experience.
The information minister stated that Akbar Ayub had previously ran his department exceptionally well, introducing new reforms and initiatives in the communication and works department.
He added that Akbar Ayub was an engineer, yet he ran the engineering-based work department well.
He stated that there was not education standard for elected candidates, adding, “You can’t bar people on the basis of their academic qualifications.”
The information minister was questioned about the reservations the PTI itself had raised before coming to power, referring to those who didn’t know how to write as anghoota chaap. He replied that the case was different this time.
He further stated that the chief minister had nominated Akbar Ayub, and he must have went over the decision thoroughly.
Moreover, Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) official Sarwar Bari said that choosing a matriculation candidate, as it was not the degree that helped evaluate an elected candidate, but their service.