KP CM renews call for govt-level talks with Afghanistan

PESHAWAR: The political and religious leaders at the second consultative session hosted by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur here on Saturday said that national reconciliation and political stability were essential for peace, prosperity and economic development.

The session titled “National Unity Against Terrorism” was arranged at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, said a handout.

It was convened under the directive of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, aimed at fostering national unity against terrorism, seeking sustainable solutions to national issues and deliberating on establishing peace.

Leaders from various political and religious parties attended the session.

The participants emphasized that peace in Pakistan was linked to stability in Afghanistan; therefore, government-level negotiations with Afghanistan should commence promptly to address terrorism effectively.

Acknowledging that the Kurram district issue was regional, attendees warned it could escalate into a national concern, necessitating serious measures for a lasting resolution.

The participants called on the government to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law and to prevent human rights violations nationwide. It was decided to form a committee to engage all political parties.

The KP government was praised for organizing the consultative session on critical national matters. It was added that such meetings were expected to lay a strong foundation for sustainable peace, eradication of terrorism and promotion of national reconciliation.

There was a decision that religious scholars would guide the public in Friday sermons on combating terrorism and promoting peace, spreading this message throughout the country to achieve the collective goal of eliminating terrorism and fostering a secure environment.

The chief minister highlighted the critical need for national unity in the current circumstances. He expressed optimism that the swift convergence of political and religious parties for the second time would provide a robust foundation for broader national unity in resolving key issues.

The chief minister urged prioritizing national interests over political and personal gains, adhering strictly to Islamic teachings, the ideology of Pakistan and the Constitution.

He acknowledged past efforts at various levels that did not yield encouraging results and pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced significant challenges due to external conspiracies. “Issues such as sectarianism, linguistic divisions and regionalism have contributed to national instability,” Gandapur added.

The chief minister emphasized that the province’s peace was linked to the situation in neighboring Afghanistan, advocating for purposeful and result-oriented government-level negotiations with Afghan authorities to address the terrorism issue. A jirga will be formed to facilitate these discussions.

Regarding the Kurram issue, he said that it was not rooted in sectarianism but is exacerbated by certain elements pursuing personal interests. He said the provincial government’s relentless efforts have led to improvements in the region’s situation.

The chief minister called for the implementation of Islamic teachings and adherence to the Constitution, ensuring the rule of law and addressing human rights violations effectively.