Gandapur’s interference in foreign policy poses a significant threat to Pak’s sovereignty: Senator Irfan Siddiqui

ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 (SABAH): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed concern on Friday, stating that Ali Amin Gandapur’s interference in foreign policy poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty.

“By attempting to create a parallel foreign policy, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister is playing a dangerous game with Pakistan’s national security and unity,” Irfan Siddiqui, who also heads the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, told the media at Parliament House.

Irfan Siddiqui criticized Gandapur for using derogatory language against journalists, politicians, and the female Chief Minister of Punjab during a recent rally. “We have tolerated such behavior, but allowing him to undermine the federal government by crafting an independent foreign policy is unacceptable,” he added.

He stressed that foreign policy is strictly the domain of the federal government. “We will oppose this unconstitutional venture at every level, both inside and outside Parliament,” Irfan Siddiqui warned.

The Senator revealed that he had intended to raise this critical issue during the Senate session, but proceedings were cut short due to disruptions in the house.

Irfan Siddiqui highlighted that Gandapur, in a speech to the Bar Council, had declared his intention to directly engage with Afghanistan. The very next day, he summoned the Afghan Consul General, yet the subsequent press release failed to mention key issues such as cross-border terrorism, the martyrdom of Pakistani forces, and civilian casualties.

“Even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in his six-point plan, left foreign affairs, defense, and currency matters to the federal government. Gandapur has overstepped these bounds,” Irfan Siddiqui said.

The Senator questioned whether other provinces of Pakistan, especially those bordering foreign countries, should now also develop their own foreign policies. “Do the 50 states of the USA, the two dozen provinces of China, or the 28 states of India have such rights?” he asked.

Irfan Siddiqui further condemned PTI’s previous actions, such as writing to the IMF to block aid for Pakistan and lobbying for anti-Pakistan resolutions in the US Congress.

He stressed that Afghanistan must adhere to international diplomatic norms, and Pakistan reserves the right to respond to any violations. “Every issue has its limits,” he concluded, “and PTI’s frustration has led them to act against the nation’s interests.