ISLAMABAD: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Peshawar on Wednesday in which he said the latter has committed to making a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan possible at Adiala Jail.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Gandapur highlighted the key discussions centered around law and order, public issues, and the economic challenges faced by the province.
The K-P chief minister said he discussed the upcoming Senate election with the premier, emphasising the importance of addressing security concerns and facilitating a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, who holds significant influence in the electoral process. The prime minister committed to making the meeting possible in the Adiala Jail and ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Gandapur expressed satisfaction with the meeting, emphasising that it was his first encounter with the prime minister. He disclosed that talks had been held on critical matters, and Prime Minister Shehbaz had assured full cooperation.
The meeting also included Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for State and Border Affairs Amir Muqam, and other senior government officials.
One of the primary points of discussion was the payment of arrears owed to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Gandapur acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Pakistan but asserted that realistic demands would be made with the Centre, considering the current conditions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the payment of dues and urged officials to provide a feasible timeline for implementation, he said.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal added that Prime Minister Shehbaz has directed the Finance Ministry to engage in talks with K-P officials after discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to settle the issue of payment of dues. The formation of a joint team comprising federal and K-P representatives was proposed to address provincial issues in collaboration.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Gandapur raised concerns about electricity load-shedding during Sehar and Iftar in Ramazan. The prime minister promptly instructed the concerned ministry to ensure uninterrupted power and gas supply during the holy month.
Express News reported that Gandapur also took the opportunity to request the appointment of a new Chief Secretary for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, proposing Shahab Ali Shah for the role. The prime minister is expected to consider this request, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address administrative needs in the province.
The collaborative efforts and assurances given by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signal a positive step towards addressing key issues in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, fostering cooperation between the federal and provincial governments despite political differences.
