Khawaja Asif’s remarks underscore the government’s stance on maintaining centralized control over foreign policy adding that the provincial engagement in international diplomacy is unnecessary (
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sharply criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s recent proposal to engage in direct negotiations with Afghanistan, denouncing it as an “assault on the federation.” Addressing the National Assembly, Asif condemned the Chief Minister’s move, emphasizing that such foreign negotiations fall exclusively under the federal government’s purview.
“No province has the authority to conduct foreign negotiations independently,” Asif stated. He argued that KP’s unilateral approach represents a dangerous precedent that could destabilize not only the province but also the broader national framework. “This is a dangerous path that KP’s leadership is walking, one that could have severe consequences for their own party,” he added. Asif’s remarks underscore the federal government’s stance on maintaining centralized control over foreign policy. He warned that provincial engagement in international diplomacy could lead to significant instability and jeopardize national cohesion.
In addition to his criticism of Gandapur’s proposal, Asif reflected on the political climate during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, noting instances of political repression targeting key figures such as Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz. He accused the previous administration of authoritarian practices, including the surveillance of political meetings held at Speaker Asad Qaiser’s residence. “Even meetings at Speaker Asad Qaiser’s residence were monitored by intelligence agencies,” Asif said, highlighting what he described as a troubling pattern of political interference.
Asif concluded by urging the current assembly to adhere to the traditions set by past National Assembly speakers like Ayaz Sadiq, advocating for a return to more transparent and democratic practices. Earlier, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had announced plans to send a delegation to Kabul to engage directly with the Afghan Taliban. Gandapur’s initiative aims to address escalating militancy in KP and seek Afghan assistance in restoring peace. Speaking at KP House, he criticized the military establishment’s handling of the situation and expressed his frustration with the lack of progress despite prior efforts to address the issue.
Gandapur emphasized the cultural ties and the lengthy 1,200 km border between Pakistan and Afghanistan as justifications for direct dialogue. He expressed growing concern over the increasing militancy and diminishing public trust in law enforcement, underscoring his commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue.
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