Federal Minister Amir Muqam stated that negotiations with Afghanistan are not within the provincial government’s domain, reinforcing that such matters should be managed by the federation. He criticized the recent unilateral intentions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister to engage Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for a cohesive federal approach to international relations.

On Saturday, Federal Minister Amir Muqam emphasized that negotiations with Afghanistan are strictly a matter for the federal government and not the jurisdiction of provincial authorities. He stressed that any requests for dialogue with Afghanistan should be directed to the federation, particularly following the recent intentions expressed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister to engage directly with Afghan officials regarding bilateral concerns. Muqam articulated concerns regarding past negotiations that led to unsatisfactory outcomes, particularly noting previous dealings between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He criticized the provincial leadership for making unilateral decisions that overstep their bounds and create confusion over responsibilities in diplomatic matters.

Muqam further underscored his point, suggesting that if provinces were allowed to negotiate independently, it could lead to a chaotic situation where each province seeks its own foreign dialogues. The minister labeled such actions as not only imprudent but also likely to undermine diplomatic coherence and effectiveness at the national level. Without a cohesive federal strategy for dealing with Afghanistan, individual provincial actions could potentially jeopardize broader national interests.

The context of this discussion revolves around the strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly concerning security issues related to the presence of terrorist groups like the TTP operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad has raised concerns about these groups launching attacks into Pakistan, while Afghanistan has refuted these allegations. The recent attempts by provincial authorities to initiate talks with Afghanistan illustrate the complex dynamics of domestic politics and foreign relations in the region, necessitating clarity on responsibility in diplomatic engagements, which Amir Muqam seeks to establish.

In summary, Amir Muqam has clearly defined the boundaries of provincial engagement in international negotiations, insisting that such matters fall under federal purview. His remarks highlight the importance of maintaining a unified approach in dealing with Afghanistan to avoid conflicting claims and actions by provincial entities. This stance reflects broader attempts to ensure that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains coherent and strategically sound.

Original Source: www.dawn.com

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