Following an ice-breaking meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said he told the premier there was a need for political engagement with PTI Founder Imran Khan.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, along with PML-N's federal minister Ahsan Iqbal and other ministers in Islamabad, Gandapur called the much-awaited meeting "positive".
"I told Prime Minister Sharif that there is a need to engage in political engagement with Imran Khan. Political engagement will lead to political solution," he said.
He further claimed that the PM had assured him of being allowed to meet Imran Khan in Adiala Jail where the Punjab government has imposed a ban on meeting prisoners in the wake of alleged security threats.
The KP CM said he told the PM he had to discuss the upcoming Senate elections with Khan.
The meeting was being seen as a bid to foster stronger ties between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
On Wednesday evening, Gandapur reached the PM House for the much-awaited meeting where he was reported to put forward the matter of transfer of the chief secretary.
In the meeting, the chief minister was also expected to discuss the money the federation owed to the province. The duo was also expected to discuss the ban on meetings with PTI Founder chairman Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.
The affairs of the province, as well as constitutional and legal issues were also supposed be discussed in the meeting.
The expected meeting came against the backdrop of efforts to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the federation and the KP government. With the aim of addressing mutual concerns and advancing shared objectives, both leaders are set to discuss various matters of importance.
Efforts have been afoot to resolve issues between CM Gandapur and the federal government, recognizing the significance of constructive dialogue and cooperation for the welfare of the people of KP. As part of this endeavour, Gandapur has been advised to work closely with the federal government to address provincial matters effectively.
The advice extended to Gandapur emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the provincial and federal authorities in tackling common challenges and driving development initiatives forward. Additionally, he has been encouraged to personally meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address specific provincial issues and explore avenues for partnership.
