The Foreign Office (FO) has asserted that foreign affairs fall under federal jurisdiction. This statement comes in response to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s plan to send delegations to Afghanistan for talks on security and economic ties.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarified that foreign relations are a federal matter. “Under the Constitution, foreign affairs are the federal government’s domain,” he said.
Federal Government’s Approval Required
Sources in the federal government revealed that KP officials acknowledged the need for federal approval before proceeding. A senior KP government official recently stated that delegations would be sent only after consulting the federal government.
The federal government will assess the situation before granting permission. Officials may also include federal experts in the delegations. The federal authorities will determine the framework and scope of discussions. Once approved, the Pakistan mission in Kabul may facilitate the visits.
Sources indicated that KP authorities would adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Adviser to KP Chief Minister Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif confirmed that two delegations would be sent to Kabul.
The first delegation will focus on creating a favorable environment and handling diplomatic matters. The second will include various stakeholders for broader discussions.
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Security Concerns Behind Talks
Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan-based groups for the rise in terrorist attacks. The Afghan Taliban-led administration has denied these allegations. Despite this, Pakistan remains concerned about the presence of banned outfits such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,500-kilometer porous border with several crossing points. These routes play a vital role in regional trade and people-to-people connections. However, Islamabad insists that Kabul must prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan.
UN Confirms TTP-Afghan Nexus
A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report confirmed links between the TTP and the Afghan government. The report revealed that the Afghan administration provides logistical, operational, and financial support to the TTP.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a 42% increase in terrorist attacks in KP and Balochistan last month. Both provinces border Afghanistan and have been the worst affected by violence.
Gandapur’s Proposal Faces Backlash
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur proposed direct talks with Afghanistan in September 2024. He aimed to address security concerns in the region, particularly in Kurram.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan supported this initiative. However, the federal government strongly opposed it. Officials called it a challenge to the federation’s authority.
As tensions rise over the security situation, the federal government will closely monitor KP’s actions. Any engagement with Afghanistan will require approval from Islamabad.
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