Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Calls for Political Dialogue with Taliban

Faisal Karim Kundi, governor of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, emphasized the need for political dialogue with the Taliban, stating that internal and external challenges can be better resolved through interactions among political leaders of all parties.

Speaking Wednesday at a meeting titled "Security, Trade, and Regional Economic Affairs of Pakistan and Afghanistan" held at the Peshawar Division building, Kundi said a peaceful Afghanistan is vital not only for Pakistan but for the entire region. The event was organized by the University of Peshawar's Department of International Relations.

Kundi added that Pakistan supports strengthening ties and expanding trade activities with Afghanistan and other neighbors, viewing sustainable regional peace as essential for economic and commercial development. Participants discussed regional security, trade challenges and the potential to leverage the Pakistan-Afghanistan border for expanded trade links with Central Asian countries.

Referring to the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the governor noted that border areas adjacent to Afghanistan directly impact law and order in the province. He referenced post-Soviet war developments in Afghanistan and events following September 11, 2001, stating that militant group activities there have negatively affected peace in the province.

Kundi highlighted Pakistan's significant sacrifices in the war against terrorism, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa serving as a prime example. He expressed hope that proposals from the meeting would aid informed policymaking on regional security, trade and economy.