Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced on Sunday that a provincial jirga has been formed to initiate dialogue with Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government. However, the talks are pending approval of the terms of reference (TOR) by the federal government.
During a meeting with Afghan Consul General Hafiz Muhibullah Shakir in Peshawar, CM Gandapur emphasized the importance of dialogue for regional peace. “Negotiations are an effective means to achieve lasting peace in the region. We are awaiting the federal government’s approval of the TOR for the jirga,” he stated.
The Chief Minister’s Secretariat released a statement highlighting discussions on border-related issues affecting traders and communities on both sides. Gandapur stressed that the border closure is detrimental to the interests of people in both countries and called for efforts to reopen it.
This initiative follows a February 15 meeting where Gandapur advocated for government-level talks with Afghanistan to ensure peace. The KP government subsequently proposed forming a jirga to address cross-border concerns through tribal diplomacy. Barrister Saif, the focal person for the initiative, outlined plans to facilitate safe cross-border movement for medical and business purposes, as well as to strengthen cultural and social exchanges.
The process is expected to unfold in two phases. The first phase involves a smaller delegation, including tribal, political, and religious leaders, along with business representatives and a security liaison officer, visiting Kabul as a confidence-building measure. The second phase will see a larger delegation engaging with Afghan tribal elders and government officials to discuss security, trade, and the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Barrister Saif expressed frustration over the federal government’s delay in approving the TOR, stating that the province is “astonished” by the lack of response. He questioned why the KP government cannot engage with Afghanistan when Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has pursued “smog diplomacy” with India.
Sources indicate that the initiative aims to address mutual concerns, including cross-border security, trade, and economic cooperation. The KP government has assured that all actions will align with Pakistan’s national, foreign, and security policies. The matter was reportedly discussed with the army chief on January 14, with Gandapur proposing the use of the existing jirga mechanism in KP.
This move comes after a similar proposal by the KP government in September 2023 faced criticism from federal lawmakers. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had previously dismissed the idea of provincial-level talks with Afghanistan, calling it a “direct attack on the federation.”
The KP government remains committed to ensuring transparency and alignment with national interests, promising to share all documents with federal authorities before proceeding with any steps.
Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2025.
