KP gov’t to pursue dialogue with Afghanistan despite federal opposition

PESHAWAR: Provincial Minister from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government Zahid Shah strongly stated that the KP govemrent will pursue dialogue with the unrecognised govemrent in Afghanistan, irrespective of the federal government’s stance.

The minister stated that the KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s decision to engage in a dialogue with Afghanistan was “conclusive”.

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Zahir Shah critcisied the federal govemrent, claiming it was unfit to conduct negotiations. He also questioned the Punjab government’s actions, suggesting that when provincial officials meet with foreign ambassadors, they neglect the implications for ‘national foreign policy’.

Previously, the KP Chief Minister announced his intention to directly communicate with Afghan Taliban, whose government has not been internationally recognised by country in the world.

Gandapur stated that it was his right to manage foreign relations independently. The Chief Minster shared plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan to address issues facing the two nations ‘collaboratively’.

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Following his declarations, the Afghan Consul General visited the Chief Minister to discuss various matters of mutual concerns.

Meanwhile, in reaction, the Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) condemned the Chief Minister’s proposal for direct talks.

Khawaja Asif described Gandapur’s statements as a “challenge” to the federal authority.

During a National Assembly (NA) session, Khawaja Asif stated that provinces should not engage In direct negotiations with foreign entities.

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Foreign policy matters within Pakistan is dealt by the federal government.