KP Assembly backs Islamabad Talks, urges diplomacy for regional peace

• House unanimously passes resolution, reiterating support for US-Iran dialogue initiative

• Resolution terms talks key to regional stability and harmony, acknowledging Imran Khan’s foreign policy vision

 PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution in support of the “Islamabad Talks,” reiterating its backing for peace and diplomacy and terming the US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad an important opportunity for “regional peace and stability.”

The resolution, jointly presented by both opposition and government members, called for the promotion of peace, stability and regional cooperation, and paid tribute to the foreign policy vision of former prime minister Imran Khan.

According to the text of the resolution, Pakistan’s role in the Doha Process under the Imran Khan government was acknowledged, while the Kartarpur Corridor was described as a landmark initiative. The House further stated that peace talks in Islamabad represent the only viable path to lasting peace.

Reiterating its stance, the assembly said the “Islamabad Peace Dialogue” offers a key opportunity for regional harmony and stressed that conflicts are a major driver of rising poverty and humanitarian crises, making political dialogue indispensable.

The House unanimously adopted the resolution, reaffirming full support for ongoing peace efforts.

Education sector reforms reviewed

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi chaired a high-level meeting on education sector reforms, where progress on ongoing initiatives and proposed measures was reviewed in detail.

The chief minister directed the release of Rs500 million for the establishment of an interdisciplinary research centre in the province. He also approved the proposal to set up community schools in remote areas to accelerate literacy growth.

The meeting further agreed on expanding the double-shift school system and introducing IT and AI courses across institutions. CM Afridi directed authorities to hold a detailed follow-up meeting and finalise a clear roadmap for implementation at the earliest.

He said that over the past five to six months, the provincial government had placed special focus on the education and health sectors, adding that early results of these initiatives were now visible. “Health and education are directly linked to the people,” he said, adding that the provincial government was investing in human development in line with the vision of Imran Khan.

He said the ultimate goal was comprehensive reform of the education system, ensuring that no child is deprived of their fundamental right to education.

The CM also directed the formation of a coordination committee comprising relevant stakeholders to implement agreed proposals and ensure follow-through.

Participants expressed satisfaction over key initiatives including the e-transfer policy, uniform curriculum, semester system, monitoring mechanisms, teachers’ training, school-based assessment, virtual schooling, and AI-based courses. The proposed framework to raise literacy levels, promote modern education trends and ensure equal access for children was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by PTI leader Salman Akram Raja, Provincial Education Minister Arshad Ayub, education experts and senior officials of the education department.