Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari have spoken against the narrative of Pakistan being held accountable for the situation in Afghanistan, where the former said the time to listen to corrupt Afghan leaders has passed, while the latter questioned the US decision to withdraw.
The two ministers made their remarks on microblogging site, Twitter, after Prime Minister Imran Khan a day earlier told foreign journalists that the US policy towards Pakistan seems to be changing now that it can no longer be viewed as “useful”, referring to cleaning the “mess” in Afghanistan.
Echoing the premier’s remarks, Asad Umar said, “The biggest superpower in the world invades one of the poorest nations on earth. Keeps it occupied for 20 years. Decides to cut losses & leave abruptly. Even before its departure sees the imposed structure start to melt. Must be very frustrating. You feel u need a scapegoat”.
If those in the US, he said, pushing for this policy stance succeed to try and cover up their strategic blunders by blaming Pakistan, it will be yet another mistake.
The minister added that Pakistan has been and continues to be an agent for stability in the region and urged all stakeholders to work together for peace.
The planning minister said it is time to stop listening to the few corrupt leaders in the Afghan government as their inability to carry the Afghan nation with them is the reason they are weak and isolated.
“Global and regional players should not sacrifice the interest of the Afghan nation for these few corrupt leaders,” he added.
Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, too, slammed the policies of western nations in the region who are now again sending troops to evacuate their embassy staff.
“After hasty exit plans by US/NATO delinking withdrawal from peace agreement, now UK & Canada sending troops to evacuate ppl; US sending 3000 troops for same + combat air support to ANA from overseas bases!”
There is a tragic absurdity to all this and victims of fallout are Afghanistan and Pakistan, she wrote.
