Ali Amin Gandapur Offers to Negotiate with Taliban

Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has lost his influence over the Taliban. He asserted that if given the task, he could bring the Taliban to the negotiation table.

While speaking to senior journalists in Islamabad, Gandapur revealed that on election day, he and his party members were hiding in the mountains. “We didn’t hold any public rallies, and out of 95 union council chairmen, only three were present, while the rest were untraceable,” he claimed.

He further said that a plan for negotiations with the Taliban was submitted two and a half months ago, but no action has been taken. “If I am given the responsibility, I can negotiate with the Taliban. Dialogue is the only solution. A plan involving tribal elders from all agencies was sent to the Foreign Office and the Ministries of Interior and Defense, but no response was received. The Taliban cannot refuse tribal elders.”

Gandapur added, “Give me the task, and you will see me sitting with Akhunzada tomorrow. There has been no contact with the Taliban so far, but if I am sent, progress will be made. Two years ago, only lower-level Taliban leadership was in touch with Maulana Fazlur Rehman. I used to roam the mountains back then, but today, I am the Chief Minister. Tomorrow, my position may hold no value.”

“Political Stability Depends on PTI Founder’s Release”

Earlier, while addressing an Iftar party, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister said that his government had overcome financial difficulties. “Currently, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a budget surplus of PKR 159 billion, whereas Punjab is facing a PKR 148 billion deficit. There are allegations of corruption in our province, but if corruption were rampant, how would we have a surplus? If this is corruption, then all provinces should adopt it,” he remarked sarcastically.

Gandapur also emphasized that the release of the PTI founder is essential for Pakistan’s political stability. “Before the PTI government was removed, the situation was normal. Now, terrorism and lawlessness have increased.”

He advocated for negotiations with Afghanistan, stating, “We share thousands of kilometers of borders with Afghanistan. Whenever I talk about dialogue, opposition arises. Even during the PDM government, it was decided to hold talks with the Taliban. A national dialogue is necessary for the country’s improvement.”

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister firmly stated that no dialogue could take place without the release of the PTI founder. “No battle can be won without public support. To succeed in the fight against terrorism, it is crucial to restore public confidence and work alongside the people.”