PESHAWAR, July 24: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, NWFP, criticised on Saturday those opposing expansion in the provincial cabinet which was, despite induction of six more ministers, smaller than the cabinets of other provinces.

In a statement here, a spokesman of NWFP MMA Mufti Kifayatullah said despite expansion, the size of the NWFP cabinet was smaller as compared to other federating units. "The MMA government by bringing significant reduction in expenditures and adoption of austerity measures, is successfully running the affairs of the province."

Honest and sincere leadership was at the helm of affairs in the NWFP, he said, adding that fiscal affairs of the province were being protected and safeguarded. "Therefore, expansion in such cabinet is not something to be worried about."

Moreover, the number of government departments was more than 24 in the province whereas some of the ministers were holding more than one portfolio.

He said though they were paying due attention to their ministries yet due to increasing workload, the government felt the need to expand the cabinet. There was no political pressure to this effect, he clarified.-APP