PM slams use of force against Palestinians at Al Aqsa Mosque
Imran says he has asked foreign minister to contact his Turkish and Saudi counterparts to discuss how to collectively respond, also rules out any talks with India until the special status of Kashmir is restored
Prime Minister Imran Khan has denounced Israel’s use of force against Palestinians at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Imran Khan said on Tuesday that he had asked his foreign minister to contact his Turkish and Saudi counterparts to discuss how to collectively respond.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at a news conference urged the world community to take notice of Israel’s use of force against innocent Palestinian worshippers.
Under discussion is whether Pakistan, Saudi and Turkish officials should convene the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), a group of Islamic countries.
Meanwhile, Imran said categorically on Tuesday that Pakistan is not talking with India and will not hold negotiations until the special status of Kashmir is restored.
He was responding to a question regarding human rights abuses in India and a muted response from the international community during a live broadcast session in which people asked questions on the dedicated phone line.
The prime minister said it was a fact that most of the Western countries and their media, used human rights issues to promote their foreign policy objectives rather than provide justice to victims.
On India’s efforts to counter China’s growing military and economic power, he said it was a futile effort on New Delhi’s part, adding that India will suffer in the process.
He addressed Kashmiris’ concerns about Pakistan returning to the negotiating table with India, saying that till New Delhi did not reverse its Aug.5 decision of scrapping Article 370, his government will not hold any dialogue with it.
In response to a question as to why there was no rule of law in Pakistan, the prime minister said the powerful and the weak should both be equal before the law. He said it would take time for change to take shape in Pakistan, adding that expecting the country to be reformed overnight would only lead to disappointment. “I can’t turn on a switch and rivers of milk will flow.”
The premier credited Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) with establishing the State of Madina where everyone was equal before the law. He shared the example of Germany, Japan and other states who were destroyed ater World War II but managed to stand on their own feet within a span of 10 years.
“Countries are destroyed when the heads of governments steal money in the billions and send them abroad.”
The prime minister said unfortunately Pakistan’s democrats had not been honest with the nation and cited the example of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is facing charges of corruption.
Imran also spoke against the various cartels and mafias in Pakistan, saying that they were benefiting from a corrupt system in the country. He said fighting the status quo and mafias was the only reason he had become a politician in the first place. “You all [Pakistanis] have to stand with me in this war. And Insha’allah, I will win this war.”
One caller complained about the ill-treatment meted out to him by a foreign embassy to which the prime minister spoke about his recent public criticism of Pakistani diplomats. He praised Pakistan’s embassies and their staff members, saying that they had rendered great services for Pakistan, especially when it came to highlighting the Kashmir issue in front of the entire world.
The premier said he had directed embassies to start online services to overseas Pakistanis who can register their complaints at a portal which will be set up under the supervision of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
He said the embassies have been directed to solve two issues relating to overseas Pakistanis; to solve problems and issues raised by the Pakistani diaspora abroad and to facilitate Pakistanis abroad in investing in the country.
In response to a question on social media where a person asked the prime minister about the inflationary situation in Pakistan, Imran said increased prices of basic commodities bothered him the most. “I have appointed Shaukat Tareen as finance minister solely for two reasons; to bring down inflation and increase growth.”