Wants to meet army, ISI chiefs as PTI open for talks: CM Gandapur

Rawalpindi: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed a fervent desire to engage in dialogue with Pakistan’s military leadership, signaling a potential shift in strategy amidst the ongoing political turmoil.

Following a visit to Adiala Jail to meet with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, CM Gandapur lamented the lack of response to Khan’s calls for dialogue from other political entities and government institutions. Emphasizing the PTI’s steadfast conditions for political talks, Gandapur reiterated demands for the restoration of allegedly stolen mandates and the formation of a commission to investigate recent riots.

“I want to meet the army chief and the DG ISI,” stated CM Gandapur, highlighting his intent to discuss critical national issues directly with top military officials, despite acknowledging previous interactions at public events rather than formal one-on-one meetings.

Criticism was not spared for the federal government’s recent anti-terrorism operations, with Gandapur questioning the transparency of the initiative, claiming discrepancies in communication during high-level security meetings.

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Addressing broader concerns about national security and regional stability, Gandapur underscored the PTI’s readiness to support federal efforts in engaging with Afghanistan, underscoring a potential avenue for collaboration in addressing rising terrorism incidents.

On the economic front, CM Gandapur defended KP’s record on electricity distribution, deflecting blame onto the federal government for outstanding dues totaling Rs1,510 billion and escalating tensions over regional power management issues.

As political temperatures continue to rise, Gandapur’s call for dialogue with military leadership sets the stage for potential shifts in Pakistan’s political landscape, amidst escalating tensions and unresolved national challenges.