BY: SALMAN YOUSAFZAI
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has finalized its Terms of Reference (TORs) for upcoming talks with Afghanistan, aiming to strengthen cross-border relations and address key diplomatic and security concerns. According to sources, Barrister Saif has been appointed as the focal person to coordinate the talks, leading two delegations to Afghanistan in the coming days.
The first delegation, comprising a senior government official and a few tribal elders, will visit the border areas for initial discussions. Their primary objective is to lay the groundwork for constructive dialogue and create a conducive environment for advancing diplomatic efforts.
The second delegation will be more comprehensive, including leaders of border tribes, religious scholars, clerics, members of the provincial assembly, business and trade representatives, and a security liaison officer. This broader group is expected to address a wide range of issues, including economic cooperation, social relations, and security matters.
Government sources revealed that the KP government’s key objectives for these talks include strengthening cross-border tribal diplomacy, restoring trust between tribal communities and the government, and securing the cooperation of Afghan tribal elders to prevent the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan. Additionally, the talks aim to promote economic and social ties between the two regions.
The KP government has assured that it will maintain close communication with the federal government throughout the process. All discussions and actions will be conducted in accordance with the constitution and the province’s mandate, leveraging tribal and cultural relations to achieve meaningful outcomes.
This initiative marks a significant step in addressing long-standing issues between the two regions, with a focus on fostering mutual trust and collaboration. Further details regarding the timeline and agenda of the talks are expected to be announced soon.
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