Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Gandapur: Willing To Lead Talks With Taliban For Lasting Peace

According to Pakistani media reports, Gandapur mentioned on Friday, March 21, during an interview with journalists in Islamabad, that negotiations with the Taliban are the only practical solution to resolve the ongoing conflicts and establish lasting peace in the region. He emphasized that such talks are crucial for stability in the region.

He further stated,“Sit down with the Taliban, engage in discussions with them, this is the only solution.” Gandapur is confident that engaging in talks with the Taliban is a necessary step, which could lead to positive outcomes for both Pakistan and Afghanistan in the long run.

Gandapur also expressed his assurance that he could successfully engage in conversations with Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban. However, he clarified that no direct contact had yet been made with the group. This suggests that while he is optimistic about the possibility of dialogue, the initial stages of communication have not yet been established.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, traveled to Kabul and met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's foreign minister. They discussed several critical issues, including political relations, trade ties, and security concerns.

Security and trade tensions, along with challenges related to migrants, have caused significant strain in the relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan. These issues have led to a deteriorating situation, where mutual distrust and misunderstandings have created obstacles to peaceful cooperation.

Meanwhile, there is willingness from Pakistani officials like Gandapur to initiate talks with the Taliban, the complexities of the situation require careful diplomacy. Bringing both sides to the table is essential but will require overcoming numerous obstacles, including historical tensions and differing political agendas.

Furthermore, it is clear that sustained dialogue will not only be essential for peace but also for resolving the broader humanitarian and security issues affecting the region. Long-term cooperation from both regional and international players will be vital to ensure a peaceful resolution and the stabilization of Afghanistan and its relations with neighboring countries.

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