PESHAWAR, Dec 15: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province stated on Sunday that engaging in dialogue with the current Taliban administration in Afghanistan is the sole path to establishing peace and security in the region.
The outspoken leader of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party asserted that if the international community can recognize the Taliban regime in Kabul, “then we should also engage with them for the sake of regional peace and security.”
“Given that our province shares the longest border with Afghanistan, we bear the brunt of its repercussions. I have initiated discussions on engaging in talks with Afghanistan in provincial and federal apex committee meetings,” he remarked.
He called attention to the federal government’s claim of willingness to negotiate with Afghanistan, stating that no tangible actions have been taken thus far.
“We are upholding this lengthy border through the sacrifices of our people. Our police and security forces are laying down their lives for peace. We are the victims of terrorism yet are committed to ensuring it doesn’t escalate further,” Gandapur emphasized.
“Numerous terrorists have been neutralized in the southern districts in recent months. We are vigorously fighting against terrorism,” he added.
Gandapur claimed that the law and order situation was entirely stable during Khan’s government from 2018 to 2022, but began to deteriorate after the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) came to power following the no-confidence motion in 2022.
“Institutions have been directed to dismantle PTI rather than attend to their other responsibilities. When I assumed office, the situation was critical, but my priority is on improving it,” he stated.
The PTI leader asserted that his government’s performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands out among other provinces. “We have met the IMF’s targets, a feat no other province has managed to achieve to date,” he said.
Recently, Gandapur issued a warning about initiating further protests against the federal government to demand the release of the imprisoned former premier.
“We will continue our confrontations reminiscent of the battle of Panipat. We will prevail if our demands go unmet,” Gandapur told reporters, comparing it to a historic confrontation in the subcontinent.
“We have only commenced five confrontations and intend to carry out the rest,” he said, referencing the PTI’s march in Islamabad on November 24, calling for Khan’s release.
Khan’s party initiated a protest on November 24 following his “final call,” urging for the reinstatement of his party’s electoral mandate, the release of detained members, and the repeal of the 26th Amendment, which he claimed reinforced a “dictatorial regime.” (PTI)
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