Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has offered to lead negotiations with the Taliban, claiming that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s influence over the group has diminished. Addressing journalists in Islamabad on Friday, Gandapur asserted, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s sway over the Taliban is gone. Entrust me with the task—I’ll bring them to the table.”
Gandapur revealed he submitted a negotiation plan involving tribal elders to the foreign and interior ministries two and a half months ago but received no response. “The Taliban won’t refuse tribal elders. If given the mandate, I’ll be sitting with [Taliban leader] Akhundzada tomorrow,” he claimed, emphasizing the urgency of dialogue amid stalled efforts.
The K-P CM also tied political stability to the release of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, stating, “The PTI founder must be freed to restore calm. Terrorism and lawlessness spiked after his government’s ouster.” He called for a national dialogue, insisting it cannot proceed without the PTI leader’s release. “No war on terror can succeed without public trust,” he added.
Reflecting on his province’s finances at an Iftar gathering, Gandapur highlighted a Rs159 billion surplus, contrasting it with Punjab’s Rs148 billion deficit. “They allege corruption in K-P, but a surplus proves otherwise. If this is corruption, let every province have it,” he quipped.
Gandapur stressed the need for engagement with Afghanistan, noting the shared border spanning thousands of kilometers. “Talks with the Taliban were agreed upon even during the PDM government, yet resistance persists,” he said. Recalling the elections, he described PTI’s struggles: “We hid in mountains, held no rallies—out of 95 Union Council chairmen, only three were ours.”
Concluding, Gandapur urged unity, warning that public support is critical to overcoming terrorism and ensuring progress through inclusive national dialogue.
