ISLAMABAD: In a significant political turn, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking the first interaction between the two leaders from rival parties, PTI and PML-N.
After the meeting, Ali Amin Gandapur termed the meeting as “positive” during a press conference alongside Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and other PML-N officials.
Chief Minister Gandapur, representing PTI, emphasized the importance of political dialogue with the incarcerated founder of his party, Imran Khan, who has been in detention since August last year on various charges. He said that engaging in political discussions would pave the way for resolving political issues.
According to Gandapur, Prime Minister Shehbaz assured him of permission to meet Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, despite heightened security measures and restrictions on meetings due to security concerns. The purpose of the proposed meeting is to discuss the upcoming Senate elections.
The KP CM highlighted the necessity of addressing public grievances and securing the province’s rightful dues, with the Prime Minister assuring cooperation in this regard. The meeting between the two leaders, hailing from opposing parties, is viewed as a significant step towards easing political tensions in the country, particularly following the ousting of the PTI-led government through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.
Gandapur reiterated PTI’s stance that the current government “stole” the public mandate, despite maintaining a commitment to cordial relations with the federal government.
In response to queries about Prime Minister Shehbaz’s recent visit to KP, Gandapur expressed regret for not being able to receive him personally, citing a prior engagement.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the federal government will take all possible steps for the development and ensure law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He noted the Prime Minister’s directives to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply during Ramadan and emphasized that the state belongs to all citizens, transcending political differences.
Iqbal also stated that Shehbaz assured Gandapur of fair treatment for all individuals, reflecting the commitment to justice and inclusivity.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے وزیر اعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا علی امین خان گنڈا پور کی ملاقات۔
ہمیں مل بیٹھ کر تمام مسائل کا حل نکالنا ہو گا۔ ہماری تمام مشترکہ کاوشوں میں عوامی فلاح و بہبود اولین ترجیح ہو گی۔
~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف pic.twitter.com/5ZoY8x2IUB
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 13, 2024
