ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday responded to a letter written by representatives of the European Union (EU), in which they asked Pakistan to condemn Russia’s “unprovoked attack” on Ukraine, by asking them whether they had written a similar letter to India.
Representatives of 22 countries, including the European Commission, in Islamabad last week wrote a letter, calling on Pakistan to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Islamabad has repeatedly called for an end to violence and emphasized the use of diplomacy to resolve the crisis. It has, however, stopped short of condemning Russia.
“I ask the ambassadors of the European Union did you write a letter to India too?” the Pakistan PM said at a public rally in Punjab.
PM Khan reminded the attendees how Pakistan had aided the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in its “war on terror” after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Pakistan suffered 80,000 casualties because of the war and its tribal areas were devastated, he noted.
“So, I ask the ambassadors of the European Union did you thank us,” he questioned. “Did you say that we supported you during the war? Did you appreciate us?”
PM Khan said it was regrettable that some Western countries blamed Pakistan for losing the war in Afghanistan.
“When India violated international laws in Kashmir and the United States Security Council Resolutions, did any of you [EU ambassadors] criticize India,” he asked.
“Did you break off ties with India? Or suspend trade with them?”
In August 2019, New Delhi stripped India-controlled Kashmir of its autonomy and divided it into two federally-administered territories.
The Himalayan valley is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan. The two countries have gone to war thrice over it, and both rule parts of it.
“So, what are we to you, slaves, who will do as you tell us to,” the Pakistani premier asked, to loud cheers from the attendees.
PM Khan lashed out at Pakistani opposition party leaders, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-president Asif Ali Zardari, accusing them of turning a blind eye to US drone attacks that had taken place in Pakistan.
He lamented that relatives of those killed in drone attacks took up arms against Pakistan, saying they were aware that such attacks were taking place because the Pakistani governments at the time had “permitted” them.
“Has a drone attack taken place [in Pakistan] since Imran Khan became prime minister,” he asked. “Neither did it take place; and let me tell you that if anyone tries to conduct a drone attack [in Pakistan], I will order the Pakistan Air Force to shoot that drone down,” he said.
PM Khan said Pakistan was friends with the US, Russia, China and Europe. Pakistan was not in favor of war and hoped that one day, the South Asian nation would help resolve the crisis in Ukraine through dialogue, he said.
