Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Sunday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) must demonstrate that its representatives have the authority to negotiate before formal talks with the government can move forward.
Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Kundi said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) favoured resolving political disputes through dialogue and did not support the humiliation or disrespect of political leaders during negotiations.
“PTI must first prove its authority to negotiate,” Kundi said, adding that talks could progress once it was clear that the party’s representatives had the mandate to reach agreements.
His remarks came amid heightened political tensions following inconclusive negotiations between the government and opposition and the launch of the first phase of PTI’s long march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing speculation over the possible imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in the province, Kundi said any such decision would be taken by the president and prime minister in consultation with the relevant institutions.
Kundi identified terrorism as the most pressing challenge facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the opposition had yet to present a clear position on terrorism and security operations in the province.
He also rejected suggestions that the government should be held responsible for restrictions on access to PTI founder Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned.
Kundi said PTI could approach the courts if it believed Khan’s legal rights were being violated, including seeking contempt proceedings where applicable.
He maintained that the judiciary was independent and said court decisions would ultimately be implemented.