Metro53 - LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has said that meaningful negotiations between political stakeholders are only possible when government representatives are fully empowered and enjoy mutual trust from all sides.
Speaking on the programme Jawab Do with journalist Farakh Waraich, Mr Jan said that whether it was Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi or any other government representative, talks could move forward only if the individual had complete authority to make decisions and implement commitments.
Referring to a recent political interaction, he said that when Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed a desire for the prime minister to meet the party founder, the prime minister reportedly responded by saying, “I will ask and let you know.”
Mr Jan argued that such a response raised questions about the effectiveness of any future dialogue process. “If the country’s chief executive himself has to seek permission before arranging a meeting, then how can meaningful negotiations be expected with such a prime minister?” he remarked.
He maintained that successful political dialogue requires both authority and confidence-building measures, adding that a mere invitation for talks would not be sufficient unless accompanied by the power to make and honour decisions.
His comments come amid ongoing debate over the prospects of political engagement and reconciliation between the government and opposition parties.
