Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday criticized the policies of former governments that compelled Pakistan to join the US-led war against terrorism in Afghanistan, and clearly stated that Pakistan could be “partners with the United States in peace but never in conflict”.
“We can be, and will always remain, partners in peace with America. We can never be partners in conflict anymore,” Khan emphasized during a speech in the National Assembly.
The PM narrated how Pakistan’s decision to join the U.S. war in Afghanistan prompted a militant backlash in the country that killed 70,000 Pakistanis in suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks and inflicted losses of around $150 billion on the national economy.
“When we gave so many services, did they (US) praise us or acknowledge our sacrifices? Instead, they called us a hypocrite and blamed us. Instead of appreciating us, Pakistan was bad-mouthed,” the premier said.
Recounting the “idiocy” of the policies of past governments, the PM told, that (Former President Pervez) “Musharraf said in his book that he took the money and sent people to Guantanamo (Bay jail)”.
“The matter did not stop there, they (US) ordered us to send our army to tribal areas. We sent our army to tribal areas. They were our people. What was the result of that?” he asked. “I was called Taliban Khan when I said this was wrong.”
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The PM in a reference to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder, Altaf Hussain, questioned, “A terrorist is sitting in London for 30 years. Will they give us permission to attack him?”
“If they will not give permission then why did we? Are we subhuman or half-human or do our lives not have enough value?” he exploded.
The premier revealed that in a meeting of the US Senate, an American commander said that the earlier Pakistani governments did “not tell the truth” to its people.
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“We disrespected ourselves, the world did not disrespect us,” he added.
Khan warned that a “very tough time” is coming for Pakistan regarding the situation in Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan has never accepted interference from outside. If we were proactive and a self-respecting government stood up and said [the US] is wrong, then we would have protected them (Afghans)”.
He said that he is thankful to the US for recognizing that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, however, this realization should have come earlier.
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