Pakistan has no leverage over the Afghan Taliban, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday.
“We have no leverage over them (Taliban) other than that we suggest them that conflict or prolonged civil war is not a solution of Afghan issues,” Khan said addressing Pakistani lawmakers.
As foreign troops are withdrawing and security situation has deteriorated, Khan expressed his fear that if there is a civil war, it would bring a disaster for Afghanistan, which would also have effects on Pakistan in the aftermath.
He said that Pakistan respects the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
“We do not want any kind of strategic depth in Afghanistan. We do not want any favorites or choose any party in Afghanistan. Afghans are our brothers, and what they like for themselves, we shall support it”, Khan said.
He also said that Pakistan wants betterment of Afghan economy for bilateral trade, and wants to enhance trade relations with Central Asian nations via Afghanistan by new roads and railway links.
He said that Pakistan can never again be a US partner in war.
“Pakistan would never compromise over its sovereignty and Pakistan can always be a partner with the US in peace but not in any conflict,” he said.
“When we gave so many services, did they (US) praise us or acknowledge our sacrifices? Instead, they called us a hypocrite and blamed us. Instead of appreciating us, Pakistan was bad-mouthed,” Khan said. “We decided to become a front-line state for the American war on terror. I questioned repeatedly, what did we have to do with the war?”
