ISLAMABAD: In a significant political development, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking his first interaction with a chief executive from the rival Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which Gandapur described as “positive.”
Addressing a press conference alongside Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and other PML-N leaders after the meeting, CM Gandapur, a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasized the importance of engaging in political dialogue with the party’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, who has been detained since August last year on various charges including corruption and terrorism.
“I have urged the Prime Minister to engage politically with Imran Khan. Political engagement holds the key to a political resolution,” he remarked.
Gandapur stated that PM Shehbaz had assured him of facilitating a meeting with Imran Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where security measures have been heightened, and visits have been restricted due to security concerns.
The KP CM mentioned that he conveyed the necessity of meeting the party founder to discuss the upcoming Senate elections to the Prime Minister.
Additionally, Gandapur indicated that he discussed resolving public issues with the Prime Minister, who assured him that all dues owed to the province would be settled. He described the meeting as “productive and optimistic.”
The meeting between these high-ranking officials from opposing political parties is viewed as a significant step towards easing political tensions in the country, especially following the PTI-led government’s removal via an opposition no-confidence motion in April 2022.
Gandapur reiterated his party’s stance that the current government had unlawfully acquired power after manipulating the results of the February 8 elections but expressed his commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship with the central government.
Regarding PM Shehbaz’s recent visit to KP, Gandapur explained his absence, citing traditions of hospitality towards guests.
Minister Iqbal, speaking at the event, welcomed the meeting between the KP CM and the Prime Minister, affirming the federal government’s commitment to promoting development and ensuring law and order in the province.
He noted that PM Shehbaz had directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Suhoor and Iftar times in the province, emphasizing that irrespective of political differences, the state is for everyone.
Iqbal also mentioned that PM Shehbaz assured the KP CM that there would be no discrimination against anyone.
