Critics blast Ghani for breaking promises

KABUL (Pajhwok): Top government officials have promised at least 20 times to name the new cabinet but failed to honour their vows, making the issue a controversial subject in the media and social networks, critics said on Sunday.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has personally set three deadlines which did not materialise. Some say the procrastination has provoked anger among some lawmakers and civil society activists.

Additionally, the masses are confused whether or not the unity government would be able to complete its five years term. The president and the CEO are said to be at loggerheads over naming the cabinet.

Critics said this could become an impediment to the government’s performances. The president and the CEO have promised new ministers would be named based on competency, accountability and commitment to national unity.

But a list of potential nominees that was published by some media organisations has evoked criticism from political commentators, calling the choices a question mark over government’s promises of hiring efficient and professional people.

In a NATO’s representation were the standards being considered.

Source close to the government have released a list of potential nominees which are as follows:

Sher Mohammad Karimi (Minister of Defence);

Salahuddin Rabbani (Minister of Foreign Affairs);

Arif Sarwary (Minister of of Interior);

Qurban Haqjo (Minister of Economy);

Sardar Mohammad Rahimi (Minister of Commerce);

Rahman Oghuly (Minister of Education);

Eng. Naseer (Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development);

Alami Balkhi (Minister of Justice);

Abdul Karim Khudam (Minister of Refugees);

Ghulam Jilani Popal (Minister of Finance);

Fatima Gilani (Minister of Higher Education);

Faizullah Zaki (Minister of Information and Culture);

Barna Karimi (Minister of Information Technology);

Sadat Naseri (Minister of Labour and Social Affairs);

Dr. Feroz (Minister of Public Health);

Ghulam Nabi Farahi (Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs);

Zabihullah Mujaddedi (Minister of Public Work);

Dr. Karimi (Minister of Mines);

Rahmatullah Nabil (National Directorate of Security chief).

Nazifullah Salarzai, a presidential spokesman told Pajhwok Afghan News on Saturday: “The process of choosing cabinet picks is in its final stage, but a decision hasn’t been finalised as yet.”

hg/mud