ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan on Sunday praised India for having an independent foreign policysaying the neighbouring country has always taken decisions in the best interest of its people.
Speaking at a rally in the northwestern Malakand region, Khan lauded India for the stand it took in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said he believed that his country’s foreign policy should also be independent of all external pressures. “The American sanctions on Moscow didn’t stop India from importing oil from Russia despite close strategic ties between Delhi and Washington,” Khan said, maintaining that like “our” neighbouring country, his foreign policy would also be in favour and interest of the people of Pakistan.
“I haven’t bowed before anyone and will not let my nation bow either,” Imran said.
He took on Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the national assembly, for objecting to his criticism of the European Union envoys who had urged Pakistan to condemn Russia in the United Nations. Imran said the EU ambassadors had violated the protocol by asking Pakistan to condemn Russia.
“I rightly asked them whether they will write a similar letter to India… Are we their slaves that they ask us to give a statement against any country,” Khan said in a reiteration of his statement against the EU representatives earlier this month. “They (EU) cannot dare to ask India for any such thing,” he said, adding that Pakistan would have gained nothing by complying with the EU’s request.
Speaking at a rally in the northwestern Malakand region, Khan lauded India for the stand it took in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said he believed that his country’s foreign policy should also be independent of all external pressures. “The American sanctions on Moscow didn’t stop India from importing oil from Russia despite close strategic ties between Delhi and Washington,” Khan said, maintaining that like “our” neighbouring country, his foreign policy would also be in favour and interest of the people of Pakistan.
“I haven’t bowed before anyone and will not let my nation bow either,” Imran said.
He took on Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the national assembly, for objecting to his criticism of the European Union envoys who had urged Pakistan to condemn Russia in the United Nations. Imran said the EU ambassadors had violated the protocol by asking Pakistan to condemn Russia.
“I rightly asked them whether they will write a similar letter to India… Are we their slaves that they ask us to give a statement against any country,” Khan said in a reiteration of his statement against the EU representatives earlier this month. “They (EU) cannot dare to ask India for any such thing,” he said, adding that Pakistan would have gained nothing by complying with the EU’s request.