Pakistan PM under attack over Afghan comments

Islamabad, March 27

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under attack for reportedly suggesting the setting up of an interim set-up in Afghanistan for peace talks to succeed. 

Khan is said to have told journalists on Monday that forming an interim Afghan government would smoothen peace talks between the US and the Taliban since the militant group refused to speak to the current government.

A furious Afghanistan recalled its own ambassador in Islamabad and summoned Pakistan’s Deputy Ambassador in Kabul to denounce what it said were “irresponsible” remarks by Khan, the Pakistani media reported on Wednesday. The Afghan government deemed Khan’s statements as “an obvious example of Pakistan’s interventionist policy and disrespect to the national sovereignty and determination of the people of Afghanistan,” an Afghan Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.  — IANS