Imran Khan Backs KP Chief Minister Amid Federal Criticism

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has voiced his support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur, who announced sending a delegation to Afghanistan for peace talks. This move elicited strong criticism from the federal government, which argues that provincial authorities lack the jurisdiction to engage in foreign diplomacy.

Imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan announced his support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur's move to initiate dialogue with Afghanistan, despite federal criticism.

On Thursday, Gandapur revealed plans to send a delegation for direct talks with the Taliban to address terrorism concerns, after seeking approval for peace talks.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sharply criticized Gandapur for overstepping provincial boundaries and risking national security by engaging in foreign negotiations.

Asad Qaisar, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) colleague, confirmed the initiation of talks with the Afghanistan government.

In an informal jail interview, Khan asserted that dialogue is essential for eliminating terrorism, supporting Gandapur's approach.

KP, severely impacted by Afghan-origin terrorism, sees these remarks amidst ongoing military actions against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The Pakistani government accuses TTP of Afghan sanctuary operations, a claim contested by the Afghan Taliban.

Addressing lawyers in Peshawar, Gandapur declared intentions to send tribal leaders to Afghanistan for peace negotiations, emphasizing a direct provincial engagement.

Terrorism incidents in Pakistan have surged since the Taliban's 2021 Kabul takeover.

(With inputs from agencies.)