Islamabad, June 21, 2021 (PPI-OT): Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphatically stated that Pakistan will absolutely not allow any of its bases or use of its territory to the US for any sort of action into Afghanistan. In an interview with HBO Axios, Imran Khan said Pakistan suffered seventy thousand casualties more than any other country by joining the American war. He said we cannot afford any more military actions from our territory. We will be partners in peace but not in conflict. The Prime Minister said there must be a political settlement in Afghanistan before the Americans leave. Without a political settlement, there is a possibility of a civil war, and the country that will suffer the most after Afghanistan will be Pakistan. He said we already are hosting three million refugees and this could lead to another exodus.
Responding to a question, the Prime Minister said being the most powerful nation in the world, the United States has a big responsibility. Referring to festering Kashmir dispute, he said according to the UN Security Council resolutions, there should have been a plebiscite for the people of Kashmir to decide their own future. He said this has not taken place. He said if the Americans have the resolve and the will, this can be sorted out.
Regretting the oppressed people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are ignored by the West, the Prime Minister said nine million people there have been put into open prison by about eight hundred thousand Indian troops. He said one hundred thousand Kashmiris have also been killed in the illegally occupied territory.
When asked about the country’s nuclear program, Imran Khan said our nuclear arsenals are simply a deterrent to protect ourselves. He said we have had three wars with India and ever since Pakistan achieved nuclear deterrence, there has been no war except the border skirmishes. He believed that the moment there is a settlement on Kashmir, the two neighbours will not need to have the nuclear weapons. The Prime Minister said China has been one of the greatest friends to Pakistan in the most difficult times. He said when our economy was struggling, China came to our rescue.
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