The meeting was held in a “pleasant and friendly environment”.
Later, talking to mediapersons, the governor said that there “is no rift between the chief minister and me”.
“We have known each other at least for the past 20 years and in our present positions, we have a good understanding,” he said.
The governor said: “Keeping within our own constitutional jurisdictions, we have the best of personal and official relationships.”
“I did not want to delay or stop the NWFP Assembly meeting but my point of view was not conveyed in a proper manner because of which it became an issue,” NWFP Governor Khalil told media persons after the meeting while Chief Minister Durrani said. “It is in the best interest of the people of the province that we must work together.”
The only misunderstanding that developed over the weekend was that he had returned a summary to the chief minister with some observations, based on my own judgment of the case. The governor said that Wednesday’s discussion with the chief minister showed that the file had not been submitted to the chief minister’s office in time and that had annoyed Mr Durrani.
Such a mishap should “not be construed as a row between us”, the governor told journalists.
The two leaders expressed their resolve to work closely for the overall development of the province and to help each other in the resolution of problems that were faced with by the people in the settled areas as well as the tribal areas.
Chief Minister Durrani said all problems should be solved through mutual understandings. “We must work together to improve the province’s law and order situation and respect each other’s views,” Chief Minister Durrani said.
Echoing the chief minister’s views, Governor Khalilur Rehman said that to serve the province’s interest and for improving the security situation in the province, they (the governor and the chief minister) had jointly requested President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to return 50 platoons of the Frontier Corps and help the province in recruiting 15,000 men to strengthen the police force.
The governor said that the government would try to solve the problem in Waziristan through political means.
The chief minister said that some foreign countries were trying to exploit the situation in Waziristan, adding that the matter should be solved through a political dialogue.
Prior to appearing before the media, both Chief Minster Durrani and Governor Rahman held a 20-minute long meeting and discussed various matters related to the province.
Political circles termed the meeting between the chief minister and the governor crucial and said it would help remove the uncertainty that had prevailed over the political situation in the province for at least a week.—Agencies