Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the country cannot overcome terrorism without holding talks with the Taliban and involving all key stakeholders in a unified national strategy.

In a message released from prison on Tuesday, Khan stressed that an effective counterterrorism policy must include“local tribes, provincial governments, the federal government, and the Afghanistan authorities.” He said the issue could not be solved through“behind-closed-doors decisions,” but required“a comprehensive and politically informed approach.”

Khan, who leads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said no strategy against militancy would succeed without consultation with the elected representatives and leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province at the frontline of Pakistan's fight against extremism.

The message coincided with the swearing-in of Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan congratulated Afridi and thanked PTI lawmakers for endorsing his nominee. He also praised former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, noting that Gandapur had“honourably resigned three times” upon his request.

Afridi, a loyal PTI member, replaced Gandapur following internal party discussions aimed at reinforcing political alignment within the province. Khan's message reaffirmed his continued influence on PTI affairs and regional governance despite his incarceration.

Khan's remarks come amid renewed militant violence in Pakistan's northwestern regions and tensions along the Afghanistan border. His call for dialogue with the Taliban contrasts with Islamabad's current emphasis on military operations.

Analysts say Khan's statement may spark fresh debate on Pakistan's counterterrorism direction, reviving questions about whether negotiation or force offers the more sustainable path to peace. His message from prison highlights both his political relevance and his ongoing role in shaping national security discourse.

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