Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again dismissed any notion that Pakistan’s government will cut ties with Russia due to its military operation in Ukraine, vowing to continue making unrestrained policy decisions that are in the best interests of his country and people.
On Sunday at a public gathering Khan said about his ruling Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf party,
“For these three-and-a-half years, we have only tried to help Pakistan prosper.” Khan explained his refusal to join other countries in condemning Russia for its attack on Ukraine, saying that Pakistan wouldn’t have benefited by complying with the request.
He also added that diplomats representing nearly two dozen countries, including European counties, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, the UK and Australia, had “broke protocol by making the request” in a March 1 letter. This comes only days after Khan met with Vladimir Putin on the 25th of February in Moscow, where they discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on current regional topics. This was the first time that Khan had traveled to Moscow.
Khan also reiterated, “I took an oath that I will not bow before anyone but God,” highlighting that US-led global wars on terror were clear examples of policy decisions forced by the West
That ultimately brought Pakistan nothing but suffering. America’s war against terror in Afghanistan cost Pakistan $100 billion and also 80,000 citizens.
After Pakistan abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Moscow’s military actions against Kiev, it instead opted to remain neutral alongside 34 other countries, including China, India and South Africa. Despite their rocky history, Khan has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crediting his neighbouring country for making “independent” decisions in the interests of its citizens.
