Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor urges political dialogue with Afghanistan

Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressed the importance of political dialogue with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan during a regional meeting on “Security, Trade, and Economic Affairs between Pakistan and Afghanistan” held in Peshawar.

The event was hosted by the University of Peshawar’s Department of International Relations.

Kundi said that domestic and cross-border challenges can only be addressed through constructive engagement among political leaders. He emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is essential not just for Pakistan, but for the wider region, and that lasting peace is key to economic growth and expanded trade.

The meeting also addressed regional security, trade challenges, and the potential of Pakistan-Afghanistan crossings to strengthen connectivity with Central Asia.

Kundi stated that security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is directly affected by conditions in Afghanistan and recalled how past conflicts, including post-Soviet wars and post-9/11 events, fueled militancy in the region.

The IEA has meanwhile not commented on Kundi’s remarks but officials have in the past repeatedly acknowledged the need for positive dialogue with neighboring countries to strengthen ties and economic relations.