Islamabad: Pakistan's Minister of State for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Amir Muqam, has reiterated that negotiations with Afghanistan fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, not provincial administrations.
Speaking on a television program, the minister stressed that allowing provinces to engage in independent diplomatic talks could lead to serious repercussions. "If a province negotiates on its own, who will ensure the implementation of the commitments made in such discussions?" he questioned.
He further warned that if this precedent were set, it could have broader implications for Pakistan’s foreign policy. "If this continues, tomorrow Balochistan may seek to hold talks with Iran, and Punjab might advocate for negotiations with New Delhi due to its shared border with India," he cautioned.
His remarks come in response to a statement by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who recently announced plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan for discussions on bilateral matters. The federal government’s stance underscores the importance of maintaining a unified approach to foreign relations.
