Former Prime Minister Imran Khan backs the decision announced by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur to directly engage with Afghanistan.
Ali Amin Gandapur proposed the idea of directly engaging with Afghanistan to control the terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan said that Gandapur was absolutely right in proposing the plan. However, initiating a dialogue process with Kabul to control the terror activities in border areas is being severely criticized by the federal government.
Speaking to journalists at Adiala jail on Friday, he said that authorities should be begging him to talk to Afghanistan. “Terrorism cannot be eliminated without dialogue,” the former premier stressed.
His comments came a day after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif lambasted Gandapur for suggesting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should bypass the federal government and engage directly with Kabul.
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However, Imran Khan said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the most in the war against terrorism. Hence, they deserve a direct role in negotiations. Khan also took a dig at former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, for not visiting even once to Afghanistan, during his stint as a minister. “We’ve been fighting this menace for 24 years, and if it’s not controlled, our economy will come to a screeching halt,” he warned.
“Ali Amin spoke about negotiating but never set a specific timewhat harm is there in that?” Khan questioned, adding, “What wrong has Ali Amin said?”
He also alleged that the establishment was responsible for his disappearance, suggesting that he kept quiet as he respects the system.
Barrister Saif, the Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has reiterated the resolve of the provincial government to strengthen social and economic ties with Afghanistan. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of fostering better ties between the two neighboring countries for regional peace and mutual benefit.