Islamabad, September 25, 2021 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Imran Khan says Pakistan would work with Afghanistan authorities to halt Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other sources of terrorism emanating from the neighbouring country. In an interview with Newsweek, he pointed out that the “plethora of terrorist groups” could take advantage of the conflict in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan said Pakistan is “extremely concerned” about the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan, particularly from the TTP, which has conducted thousands of attacks against Pakistan from Afghanistan with the sponsorship and support of certain hostile intelligence agencies.
He said the international community could not exonerate itself from its responsibilities toward the people of Afghanistan and must stay engaged. He expressed hope that Afghanistan will be stabilized, through humanitarian help, economic support, and connectivity and infrastructure projects, and that the U.S., China and Russia will all contribute to pacifying and reconstructing Afghanistan.
Imran Khan said that a peaceful Afghanistan will be beneficial for Pakistan, opening up possibilities for trade and development projects. He said Taliban have welcomed the prospects of being incorporated in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and establishing close relations with China. He said the U.S. could play an important and positive role in Afghanistan by providing humanitarian assistance, contributing to its recovery and reconstruction, and cooperating in containing terrorism.
The Prime Minister recalled that during the Doha peace process, the U.S. has established a working relationship with the Taliban and maintained direct cooperation during the evacuation process. He said that he believes that the U.S. can work with a new government in Afghanistan to promote common interests and regional stability. He said Taliban appear to have gained control over the entire country, for the first time in 40 years and hoped that security can be established throughout Afghanistan.
Replying a question about recognition of Afghan government, Imran Khan said once a government in Kabul establishes control over the entire country, it would legally qualify for recognition. He, however, stressed that Pakistan would prefer to reach a decision regarding recognition of the new government together with other neighbours of Afghanistan.
The prime minister said India’s purpose in massive arming is aimed at establishing its hegemony in South Asia and especially to threaten and coerce Pakistan. He said Pakistan has legitimate concerns about the provision of the most advanced weapons and technology to India.
Responding a question about China Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Prime Minister said China had already invested around 25 billion dollars for the projects while additional projects worth 20 billion are under implementation. He said Projects worth a further 25 billion dollars are in the pipeline.
The Prime Minister pointed out the strongest manifestation of Islamophobia in India’s extremist Hindutva ideology, which has unleashed state-sponsored terrorism against the Muslims of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the 200 million Indian Muslim minority.
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