PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan said the United States has no choice but to recognise the Afghan Taliban and their government in Afghanistan.
In an interview with Turkish TV, the Prime Minister said, “We were worried that there would be bloodshed during the Taliban takeover of Kabul, but unexpectedly the transfer of power was peaceful.” PM Imran Khan said that the Afghan government was dependent on foreign aid for its budget. After the arrival of Taliban, Afghanistan’s foreign aid was stopped and if they were not supported, there will be humanitarian crisis.
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Talking about recognising the Taliban government, the Prime Minister said, “We have decided to consult with all our neighbours before taking any decision.” He said that even if Pakistan recognise the Taliban, it would not matter much until the United States, Europe, China and Russia recognise the Taliban government. “Sooner or later, the United States will have to recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan,” the prime minister maintained.
PM Imran said for the United States’ Afghan debacle, Washington is looking for a scapegoat. Imran Khan said that it is unjustified to target Pakistan or President Joe Biden on the current situation in Afghanistan. “I think there is pressure on him [President Biden],” Imran Khan said. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan had also objected to being a part of the Afghan war as we have lost $150 billion in the Afghan war. It is painful to make Pakistan a scapegoat for the situation in Afghanistan.”
Talking about the situation in Indian-held Kashmir, Imran Khan said that the Kashmir issue is being raised at every forum including the United Nations. He said, “In Occupied Kashmir, the Indian Army has kept 8 million Kashmiris in open jails. The issue must be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions and wishes of the people of Kashmir.”