K-P aims to strengthen trade and social ties with Afghanistan: Barrister Saif

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Information Adviser, Barrister Saif, has reiterated the provincial government's desire to strengthen social and trade relations with Afghanistan.

In a statement, he emphasised the importance of fostering better ties between the two neighbouring countries for regional peace and mutual benefit.

Barrister Saif dismissed criticism from what he called “fake ministers” regarding a meeting between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Afghanistan’s Consul General, labelling the remarks as absurd.

He pointed out that such ministers were either ignorant of constitutional provisions or attempting to mislead the public.

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Thursday stressed that foreign policy remains a federal responsibility, responding to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s plan to send his own delegation to Afghanistan to address security concerns.

Citing the powers granted by the 18th Amendment, Barrister Saif, noted that chief ministers are authorised to engage in foreign trips and sign agreements.

He further mentioned that past leaders, including Shehbaz Sharif, had conducted foreign visits and negotiated trade deals during their time in office.

The information adviser also challenged critics to explain the diplomatic engagements of Maryam Nawaz when she served in an official capacity.

He added that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has held and will continue to hold meetings with foreign diplomats, including Afghan representatives, to promote regional peace and trade.

Barrister Saif underscored that discussions with Afghanistan’s Consul General centred on enhancing mutual trade and maintaining regional stability, highlighting the government's commitment to forging better ties with Afghanistan.

Previously, former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan threw his weight behind Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's proposal to engage in direct talks with Afghanistan to address terrorism in the volatile border areas.

Imran also stated that the K-P CM was absolutely right in planning to initiate the provincial negotiations with Kabul, a move the central government has fiercely denounced as blatant bypassing of traditional diplomacy channels through the Centre.

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.

However, Imran argued that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, being the hardest hit by terrorism, deserved a more direct role in negotiations.

The former prime minister stressed that improved relations with Afghanistan were vital to curbing terrorism, pointing out that "the least amount of terrorism happened during PTI's rule."

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had strongly condemned the Gandapur’s announcement to hold direct talks with Afghanistan, labelling it as an attack on the federation.

Addressing the National Assembly, Asif stated that no province has the authority to conduct foreign negotiations independently, calling the move a "direct assault on the federation."

“This is a dangerous path that KP's leadership is walking, one that could have severe consequences for their own party,” said Asif.

He emphasised that foreign policy is strictly within the federal government’s domain, and any provincial involvement could lead to instability.