Asfandyar flays Imran’s statement on Afghanistan

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) president Asfandyar Wali Khan has criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for his “irresponsible remarks about the interim setup in Afghanistan.”

Through a statement issued here on Wednesday, ANP president said the PM remarks were interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. He said interference in other states affairs was damaging for Pakistan.

“Those who had stolen mandate in their own country have no right to insult the mandate of the people of Afghanistan,” he added.

Asfandyar Wali Khan said Imran Khan’s statement was an attempt to influence the Afghan reconciliation efforts.

He added that peace efforts in Afghanistan had entered into crucial phase and such statements could not be ignored.

“The Afghans suffered for four decades and when their country was heading towards peace, Imran Khan has attempted to sideline the Afghan government,” he alleged.

He asked Imran Khan to explain on whose directives he had issued the statement as it made it clear that Pakistan was interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

The ANP chief said the PM statement proved that he was representing Taliban, which was detrimental to the Pakistan security.

He urged all neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, including Pakistan, to continue efforts for perpetual peace in the war-torn neighbour.

Asfandyar Wali said that right of electing the government of Afghanistan rests with Afghan people and the ongoing peace process must be according to the wishes of Afghans.