ISLAMABAD: The foreign minister declared that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has put a halt to the “policy of appeasing” militants, which he claimed was championed by former prime minister Imran Khan, even as the country continues to experience a spike in attacks.
Pakistan has observed a rise in Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks, particularly targeting security forces. However, authorities have downplayed the violence as “isolated incidents of terrorism.”
The government of Shahbaz Sharif blames the resurgence in militancy on the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan, where TTP militants have found refuge and continue to launch cross-border attacks.
In an interview with CNBC, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused the chairman of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party of negotiating with the Afghanistan-based group “unconditionally”.
He emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to combating terrorism, saying: “We will fight terrorism on our soil.” He further asserted that until the threats to Pakistan’s security from Afghanistan are eliminated, Islamabad will continue to face challenges.
Does Imran Khan have a political future? Pakistan’s Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari speaks to CNBC’s @_HadleyGamble in Munich. pic.twitter.com/4876b3CPcY
— CNBC Middle East (@CNBCMiddleEast) February 19, 2023
The new leadership in Pakistan has prioritised the issue of terrorism and taken steps to address it, including carrying out military operations in areas where terrorists are known to operate.
The country’s efforts to combat terrorism are seen as crucial for regional stability, particularly given the instability in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Zardari’s comments underscore the importance Pakistan places on addressing the issue of terrorism and its commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
He acknowledged the nation’s history of military governments, saying that “for more than half of its past, it has been under military rule.” However, he also noted that Pakistan is currently going through a transitional phase.
‘Imran could make a comeback by pursuing path of democracy’
The foreign minister highlighted the removal of Khan through a vote of no-confidence in April of last year as a significant moment in Pakistan’s history, observing it marked the first time that parliament has removed an elected prime minister democratically, without the involvement of the judiciary or military.
He said Imran Khan could make a comeback by pursuing the path of democracy but so far he was undemocratic in his approach which would not be beneficial for him.
“If Imran Khan does not adopt a democratic path then he has no political future.”
He said it should be kept in mind that in the country’s history, the undemocratic forces had their rule but every time democracy returned.
‘Retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s admission’
He also referenced former army chief retired Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa’s admission of military intervention in politics throughout the country’s history. Zardari welcomed Bajwa’s statement and noted if the military is willing to change its conduct constitutionally, it should be embraced.
Pakistan’s history of military rule has been a contentious issue, and the country has been working towards strengthening its democratic institutions.
‘Pakistan has capacity to become emerging economy’
FM Bilawal said Pakistan was faced with a difficult economic condition but it had the capacity to become an emerging economy and resolve its financial issues.
During the interview, the minister expressed views about climate change, his country’s economy and the situation in Afghanistan.
He said the Ukraine war and floods had badly damaged the economy of Pakistan, adding a large part of Pakistan was submerged in water due to the floods caused by climate change.
The floods had changed the direction of Pakistan’s economy which still could not come out of financial difficulties and had to undertake negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he added.
To a question, he said the statement of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif should be taken in the political context and in the backdrop of the difficult economic conditions faced by Pakistan.
