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Afghan foreign relations

Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gillani Dismisses K-P Chief Minister's Talks with Taliban

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gillani has expressed skepticism over Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's plans to hold direct talks with Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, stating that matters related to foreign policy fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Gillani made these remarks while responding to journalists after a court hearing in Karachi. On September 11, Gandapur announced his intention to address the growing militancy in K-P by sending a delegation to Kabul for talks with the Afghan Taliban. The foreign office responded on September 12, stating that foreign policy remains a federal responsibility, but Gandapur continued to pursue his initiative, urging the federal government to send a jirga to Kabul.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gillani has dismissed K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's plans to hold direct talks with Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, stating that foreign policy falls under the federal government's jurisdiction.
  • Gandapur had announced on September 11 that he would send a delegation to Kabul for talks with the Afghan Taliban to address growing militancy in K-P.
  • The foreign office responded on September 12, reiterating that foreign policy is a federal responsibility and the prerogative of the Government of Pakistan.
  • Gillani emphasized that a bill presented in parliament regarding judicial reforms is not person-specific and requires a majority to pass.
  • He expressed respect for JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but refused to comment on him.
  • Gillani stated that early elections are not a solution to the current issues and would further complicate the situation.
  • He noted that he became the PM with 264 votes, while the opposition's candidate received 42 votes, making him the only unanimously elected prime minister in Pakistan's history.

Statistics:

  • 264 votes: Gillani's vote total to become the PM.
  • 42 votes: Parvez Elahi's vote total as the opposition's candidate.
  • 26 cases: Total number of cases against Gillani, with three having been completed.

Sources:

  • Senate Chairman's statement to journalists after a court hearing in Karachi.
  • Foreign office statement on September 12, 2023.
  • K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's statement on September 11, 2023.
  • Parliament hearing recordings.
  • Newspaper articles and online news portals (exact sources not provided).

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