Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Meets Taliban Ambassador to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

DID Press: Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister (CM) of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, heading a delegation of provincial officials, visited Afghanistan Embassy in Islamabad and met with ambassador of the Taliban caretaker government.

Both sides agreed on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and facilitating Afghanistan migrants issues and travelers.

Ali Amin Gandapur, accompanied by a delegation including the provincial government’s information advisor and a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, visited Afghanistan Embassy in Islamabad.

During the meeting, Gandapur expressed his condolences to the victims of the recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. The two parties discussed boosting Afghanistan-Pakistan bilateral relations, easing people-to-people exchanges, increasing economic and trade cooperation, and resolving issues faced by returning Afghanistani migrants.

Taliban caretaker government ambassador appreciated the minister’s sympathy for earthquake victims and emphasized the importance of mutual respect, sincere understanding, and practical cooperation to safeguard shared interests of the two countries.

He also requested Gandapur to provide additional facilities for Afghanistan refugees, students, patients, and travelers at border points.

Both sides agreed that expanding trade and economic cooperation will not only create employment and income opportunities for both countries but also play a key role in regional growth and development.

The meeting took place after Gandapur’s planned trip to Kabul was canceled for unspecified reasons.

Ali Amin Gandapur said that his passport had been canceled since May 9, 2023, and Pakistani authorities prevented the issuance of a new passport, which hindered his travel to Afghanistan.

Gandapur emphasized that he is keen to engage with Taliban officials on peace and security matters, but such a mission at the national level falls outside the jurisdiction of a provincial government.

These remarks came following a request from Imran Khan, leader of Pakistan’s PTI party, who had asked Gandapur to visit Afghanistan and discuss common issues and security. Gandapur responded that he would undertake the trip without a visa only if given direct instructions by Imran Khan.

Gandapur also announced plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan. According to Pakistani media, he proposed forming a jirga comprising representatives of different ethnic groups.