KYBER PAKHTUNKHWA GOVERNMENT PROPOSES INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH TALIBAN-LED AFGHAN INTERIM GOVERNMENT. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has released Terms of Reference (TORs) regarding the proposed initiative for strengthening ties with Afghanistan through Jirga, leveraging the province shared history, culture, and tribal connections. The plan involves sending a series of Jirgas of tribal elders, religious scholars and political leaders to engage with their Afghan counterparts. Objectives of the Initiative: - Establish confidence-building measures between tribal communities and authorities in both countries - Encourage dialogue on regional peace and stability - Address cross-border security concerns - Dissuade terrorist organizations from using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan - Prevent militant movements across the border Implementation Framework: The initiative will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1: Preliminary Engagement - A small delegation will visit Kabul for preliminary discussions - The purpose is to establish diplomatic groundwork and coordinate with Afghan counterparts Phase 2: Main Delegation Visit - A larger delegation will engage Afghan tribal leaders and government representatives - Discussion points will cover security, trade, refugee issues, and cross-border collaboration Delegation Composition: - Select tribal elders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s bordering districts with Afghanistan - Religious scholars - Political representatives - Business leaders - A security liaison officer Expected Outcomes: - Stronger tribal-to-tribal coordination - Enhanced economic cooperation - Reduced border tensions - A consensus-driven approach to regional peace and security According to the TORs, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will formally notify the Federal Government about the initiative, ensuring it aligns with Pakistan's national foreign and security policies. To avoid any conflicts, no commitments will be made that override Pakistan's national security framework or diplomatic stance. A detailed briefing document will also be shared with federal authorities before the engagement, guaranteeing transparency and cooperation throughout the process.