Prime Minister Imran Khan has said in an interview that the international community cannot “exonerate” itself of its responsibilities to the Afghan people. Speaking to Newsweek, the PM reminded the international community that it had seem 20 years of military involvement in Afghanistan. He noted that the years of fighting had been devastating for the economy and society of Afghanistan, and that now there was the possibility of finally bringing peace to that country.
Warning of the possibility that violence continues in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said:
“This would create new flow of refugees, escalate the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan, and destabilize the entire region.”
The Prime Minister also made Pakistan’s position clear:
“The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict and turbulence in Afghanistan.” He took the view that the international community has to help with efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, through aid of a humanitarian and economic nature.
PM Khan also expressed his hope that the world powers such as the US, China and Russia will do their part in this effort.
Specifically on the role that he expects the US to play, the Prime Minister said:
“Both Pakistan and the United States need to prevent terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. To this end, we should cooperate to help in stabilizing Afghanistan by addressing the humanitarian crisis in that country and supporting its economic recovery.”
