NEW YORK: Criticising Pakistan’s decision to join the US-led war on terror post 9/11, Prime Minister Imran Khan termed it on Monday the biggest mistake in history.
The PM, who is in the US to address United Nations General Assembly, was addressing the Council of Foreign Relations in New York today.
In his speech, the prime minister said that if the US was unsuccessful in Afghanistan for the past 19 years then it is a bleak possibility it will emerge victorious in the next 19 years.
In the same vein, the prime minister clarified that he is not pro-war, and in fact, thinks it is not the solution to the Afghan problem.
Regarding the ongoing situation in occupied Kashmir, the prime minister said that the world community should ask India to lift curfew in the valley.
He further said that the Indian nefarious designs became apparent due to its efforts to have Pakistan blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The premier said that the previous governments failed to find a solution to the economic woes, adding that due to the persistent issues, the current government had to rely on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
PM Imran said that China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates helped Pakistan and particularly its economy in taxing times.
The prime minister said that when his party came into power, the economic condition of the country was in dire straits and China was the first country to help.
While responding to questions, PM Imran said that the government approached the IMF due to current account deficit.
He further said that the US had left Pakistan alone after the withdrawal of Russia (former Soviet Union) from neighbouring Afghanistan.
After 9/11, the US needed Pakistan’s help once again, said the prime minister.