PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Information Advisor, Barrister Dr. Saif, called Pakistan’s ongoing talks with Afghanistan a “late but necessary step” but criticized the federal government for excluding KP’s leadership from the process. He stressed that peace efforts cannot succeed without involving frontline stakeholders like KP, which has suffered heavily from terrorism.
Speaking to media on Saturday, Dr. Saif said KP had urged dialogue with Afghanistan for months and even shared its *Terms of Reference (TORs)* three months ago to guide negotiations. These guidelines, he explained, included input from tribal elders and locals affected by conflict. However, he accused Islamabad of ignoring the province’s role, calling it “irresponsible.”
“KP has paid the highest price in blood and resources. Excluding us shows the federal government isn’t serious about solving the crisis,” he said. The advisor warned that talks excluding frontline voices would fail, adding that KP’s insights could make discussions more effective.
Also read: Pak-Afghan ties at historic low, Says Barrister Saif
The federal government recently restarted talks with Kabul to tackle cross-border militancy, trade issues, and the status of Afghan nationals in Pakistan. This follows a rise in attacks in KP and Balochistan. Dr. Saif welcomed Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Afghanistan as “positive” but demanded broader inclusion of KP and other provinces.
He reiterated that lasting peace requires decentralized, inclusive dialogue: “Sustainable solutions need input from those who’ve endured the conflict.”
