Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur held discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister's House, shedding light on the pressing issues faced by the province.
During the meeting, he emphasized the appointment of a new Chief Secretary for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the release of necessary funds. Chief among the matters addressed was the appointment of a new chief secretary for the province.
Speaking to the media post-meeting, he underlined the fruitful nature of the dialogue with the Sharif, expressing confidence in the Prime Minister's commitment to addressing the challenges at hand.
Gandapur went on to say that PM Shehbaz Sharif pledged to settle the dues owed to KP and assured a swift resolution to the Chief Secretary appointment issue, acknowledging the mandate given by the province.
In particular, discussions revolved around the appointment of the Chief Secretary, with the Prime Minister recognizing the province's mandate and affirming that the matter would be swiftly resolved.
He clarified that the recent letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was not intended to hinder financial support to Pakistan but rather aimed at resolving internal matters through political channels.
Highlighting the collaborative spirit, the KP CM stressed the shared ownership of Pakistan's resources, noting that the province’s contributions benefit the entire nation. As the country prepares for Senate elections, security concerns were also on the agenda, reflecting the comprehensive approach taken to address the region's challenges.
Gandapur while emphasizing the importance of engaging in political discussions with the former chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said that he had received assurances of a forthcoming meeting with the ex-chairman, Imran Khan.
He highlighted the significance of consulting Khan, particularly with the Senate election approaching.
Regarding the meeting with Imran Khan, Gandapur conveyed his message to the Prime Minister, stressing the need to address security concerns to facilitate the meeting. He emphasized that consulting Khan was essential for the upcoming Senate election, and the Prime Minister assured him of making the meeting possible.
On the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal expressed his support for the meeting between the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Prime Minister, considering it a positive development.
He noted that the discussion between the two leaders was constructive, with the Chief Minister addressing concerns such as load shedding during Sehr and Iftar in the province.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of establishing a permanent team comprising representatives from both the federal and provincial governments to address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's issues collaboratively. Additionally, he highlighted the need to ensure justice for individuals held in custody without sufficient evidence.
Assuring the payment of outstanding dues, Shehbaz Sharif encapsulated the essence of the meeting in two words: unity and solidarity. He emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in facing the challenges ahead and pledged to work hand in hand with the provinces for the betterment of the country.
Amir Maqam echoed similar sentiments, welcoming the meeting and emphasizing the potential for development if cooperation between the federal government and the provinces is fostered. He stressed the importance of unified efforts in propelling the nation forward on its journey of progress and prosperity.
