Pakistan senior politician denounces US President’s Afghan policy

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in an interview with western media also rejected US President Donald Trump’s allegation that Pakistan harbors extremists who fight with American troops in Afghanistan.

'I think Donald Trump’s policy is deeply flawed. He neither understands the history of Pakistan nor the character of the Afghan people,' Khan said.

'More fighting and bloodshed is not the answer. I said it 17 years ago and I am still saying this now,' Khan said.

Khan added that the Taliban has safe havens in Afghanistan and that Pakistan is targeted by the group’s attacks launched from Afghan soil.

He said it was unfair to blame Pakistan for the failure to defeat the Taliban. 'I think Pakistan has done enough. I think now the others players involved need to do more,' Khan said.

Imran Khan voiced his opposition to US drone strikes on militants in Pakistan. He said that if he comes to power, he will 'clearly tell the United States that this is not a way to win the war on terror' and that the drone strikes are 'actually inflaming anti-American feelings in Pakistan.'

'Drone attacks lead to collateral damage. If (they) were such a successful strategy, they would be winning the war,' the politician said.

He added that militants often retaliate after drone strikes by targeting civilians and security forces in Pakistan.

Khan also dismissed as Western 'propaganda' speculation that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal could fall into the hands of militants. He said Pakistan’s army was properly safeguarding the country’s nuclear arsenals.

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