Conflicting Opinions
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held crucial discussions with key political figures from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) amid swirling reports of attempts to bring about a ‘regime change’ in the province. The meeting appears to be part of the federal government’s efforts to assess the political landscape in KP and decide on a way forward.
The PML-N-led ruling coalition at the Centre has expressed dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s performance in KP, citing its decade-long governance as a failure to deliver development and security for the people. Recent incidents, according to the coalition, have further reinforced their belief that the provincial administration is incapable of safeguarding public safety.
During the session, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan met the Prime Minister to discuss the current political scenario in the province.
The meeting was also attended by other federal ministers and advisors, including Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ameer Maqam, Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashar Iqbal, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Special Assistant to the PM Talha Barki.
Sources close to Governor Kundi confirmed that the possibility of changing the KP government was a major point of discussion. A press release from the governor’s office revealed that the Prime Minister assigned Governor Kundi the task of initiating a campaign aimed at forming a new provincial government.
He was also directed to consult with opposition members of the KP Assembly to explore viable options. Additionally, Kundi and Minister Ameer Muqam were tasked to meet Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for further consultations.
However, differing opinions surfaced during the discussions. ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan said he advised the Prime Minister against toppling the KP government through external pressure or forceful means. He argued that the PTI-led government should be allowed to “die its own death” rather than being removed by the Centre, which would give PTI an easy excuse and political leverage.
Aimal Wali Khan pointed out that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has already benefited significantly from his position and suggested that if removed, it would be in Gandapur’s best interest.
The ANP leader also mentioned that the Prime Minister appeared convinced that forcibly dissolving the provincial government would be a mistake. “We are already suffering due to the trend of toppling governments, and now how can we do it ourselves?” he remarked.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Regional Peace Appreciated
In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East. During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s role in facilitating ceasefire talks between Pakistan and India. The PM fondly recalled his recent telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince, highlighting the warm relations between the two countries.
As Pakistan assumes the rotating Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July, the Prime Minister sought Saudi Arabia’s support to ensure a successful and effective tenure.
PM to Attend ECO Summit in Baku
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office announced that the Prime Minister will attend the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in Baku, Azerbaijan, starting July 3. The PM is expected to share Pakistan’s views on major regional and global challenges, reaffirm commitment to ECO’s Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other ECO member states to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen regional collaboration.
