ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned the world of seriousimplications of breakout of any conflict between Pakistan and India overthe disputed region of Kashmir.
In an exclusive interview with Al-Jazeera, he said Pakistan has raised thelingering dispute at all the forums and it will continue doing so.
He said the world is not responding on the issue as unfortunately they arewilling to ignore the huge travesty of justice for their commercialinterests with India. He said it does not mean we sit down quietly andaccept the injustice. He expressed the strong commitment to continue todraw the world attention towards the dispute.
Imran Khan said eight million people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu andKashmir are in an open prison and eight hundred thousand troops areoppressing them.
Responding to a question, the Prime Minister said Saudi Arabia will alwaysremain friend of Pakistan. However, Pakistan wants the OIC to play a biggerrole on Kashmir dispute.
Imran Khan said he never believes in any military solutions. He said thisis the reason he extended a hand of friendship to India after assuming thepower.
He said the tragedy of India is that it is being ruled by an extremistgovernment inspired by the ideology of Nazis.
When asked about the Afghan peace process, the Prime Minister warnedagainst the spoilers. He said there is one country India which does notwant to see peace in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan said Pakistan has tried its best to get the Taliban and theAfghan government on the table of negotiations. He said we have reachedclose to peace and political reconciliation. This is a miracle that this ishappening in Afghanistan and we pray this happens. He said Pakistan has astake in a peaceful Afghanistan. Whatever the Afghans think good for themis good for us.
When asked about multi billion dollars China Pakistan Economic Corridorproject, Imran Khan said we have excellent relations with China. He saidour economic future is linked to China. He said Pakistan can really benefitfrom the way china has lifted people out of poverty.
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He said Pakistan also has a very good relationship with the United Statesas both the countries are partner in the Afghan peace process.
When asked about normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel, thePrime Minister said if Palestinians are not allowed to have a just andviable state, the issue will not die down even some countries recognizeIsrael. He said the issue will keep festering.
Turning to the domestic situation, the Prime Minister said Pakistan hasbeen put on the right direction over the last two years. He said we haveintroduced economic reforms and facilitated the businesses.
Imran Khan said Pakistan is a country with tremendous potential. He saidnew changes are taking place in Pakistan. Our whole policies are aimed atlifting the people out of poverty.
Regarding Covid-19 situation, the Prime Minister said Pakistan madeprobably the best but difficult decision of not imposing the completelockdown. We went for a smart lockdown to control the pandemic and protectthe vulnerable segments of the society from its impacts.
Reaffirming the government’s stance against corruption, Imran Khan saidthis is the first time that the powerful are being held accountable.
The Prime Minister said both the civilian government and the military havethe most harmonious relationship. He said we are working in completecoordination and cooperation. He said the military is standing togetherwith the government’s policies related to India or Afghanistan.
