Peshawar, Pakistan – Web Desk: Dialogue with Afghanistan is the only effective way forward in managing cross-border affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said during a meeting with a European Union delegation.
Speaking with the delegation led by EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, Afridi emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan share thousands of years of common history and cultural ties. He noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered severe damage from the spillover effects of the war in Afghanistan.
The Chief Minister reiterated that PTI founder Imran Khan, the country’s most prominent political leader, has a clear stance that war and military operations are not solutions to problems.
“The current situation has severely impacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s annual trade volume with Afghanistan, which exceeds 10 billion rupees,” Afridi said.
He also highlighted that the provincial government is reforming curricula and courses according to market demand and investing in youth under Imran Khan’s vision. The education budget in the province has been increased several times over, with special focus on promoting education.
An “Education Card” has been introduced to provide free education to orphans and female students at the intermediate level.
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis said technology and vocational skills are priority sectors, adding that the Center of Excellence is a modern model suited to future needs.
The meeting included detailed discussions on bilateral cooperation. Chief Minister Afridi welcomed the EU delegation and appreciated European Union support in establishing the Center of Excellence.
Provincial Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development, and EU officials were also present on the occasion.
