WORLD
Imran Khan has said that “incentivizing” the Taliban on women’s issues and the inclusive government will lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is batting for the Taliban to develop a consensus that would lead to recognition of the new caretaker government of the "Islamic Emirate" in Afghanistan.
Speaking to CNN, in the first interview with an international news organization since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan last month, Khan said that the best way forward for peace and stability in Afghanistan is to engage with the Taliban and "incentivise" them on issues such as women's rights and inclusive government.
"The Taliban hold all of Afghanistan and if they can sort of now work towards an inclusive government, get all the factions together, Afghanistan could have peace after 40 years. But if it goes wrong and which is what we are really worried about, it could go to chaos. The biggest humanitarian crisis, a huge refugee problem," Khan said.
"It's a mistake to think that someone from outside will give Afghan women rights. Afghan women are strong. Give them time. They will get their rights," said Khan.
"Women should have the ability in a society to fulfil their potential in life," said Khan.
Since assuming power, the group has attempted to paint a new picture with promises to uphold human rights, particularly regarding women and girls, and allow journalists to continue with their work.
However, women have been omitted from the Taliban's hard-line interim government, have been ordered to stay at home in some areas, and their education restricted.
Protests against Taliban rule and for civil rights have been violently suppressed, with reports of journalists being arrested and severely beaten.
In recent days the Taliban has mandated the segregation of genders in classrooms and said female students, lecturers and employees must wear hijabs in accordance with the group's interpretation of Sharia law. And Taliban fighters have used whips and sticks against women protesters, who have taken to the streets in sporadic protests across the country demanding equal rights.
Khan also said that the world should give the Taliban ''time'' on human rights but fears ''chaos'' without aid, reported CNN.
Khan claimed that the Taliban are looking for international aid to avoid a crisis, which could be used to push the group in "the right direction towards legitimacy." However, he warned that Afghanistan could not be controlled by outside forces.
"No puppet government in Afghanistan is supported by the people," he said. "So rather than sitting here and thinking that we can control them, we should incentivize them. Because Afghanistan, this current government, clearly feels that without international aid and help, they will not be able to stop this crisis. So we should push them in the right direction."
Meanwhile, Khan also commented on the "terrible" relationship with the United States that has been disastrous for Pakistan and how he is now seeking a more pragmatic approach in dealing with Afghanistan's new leaders.
"We (Pakistan) were like a hired gun," Khan said. "We were supposed to make them (the US) win the war in Afghanistan, which we never could."
Khan said he repeatedly warned US officials that America could not achieve its objectives militarily, and would "be stuck there." He said the US should have attempted a political settlement with the Taliban from a "position of strength," at the height of its presence in Afghanistan, not as it was withdrawing.
Khan has previously criticized the US exit from Afghanistan and said he has not spoken with President Joe Biden since the Taliban takeover, despite Pakistan being a major non-NATO ally.
"I would imagine he's very busy, but our relationship with the US is not just dependent on a phone call, it needs to be a multidimensional relationship," said Khan.
On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US would reassess its ties with Pakistan following the withdrawal. He told Congress during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that Pakistan has a "multiplicity of interests some that are in conflict with ours."
Khan called such comments "ignorant," telling CNN that "I have never heard such ignorance."
According to Khan, thousands of Pakistanis lost their lives in terrorist attacks by "militant groups" owing to his country's support for the US. Just because we sided with the US, we became an ally of the US after 9/11 and the war in Afghanistan. The suffering this country went through with at one point there were 50 militant groups attacking our government... on top of it, they must also know there were 480 drone attacks by the US in Pakistan," he added.
"Only time a country has been attacked by its ally," he said of the US strikes.
The US has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists and given them safe haven, a claim Khan denied.
"What are these safe havens?" Khan asked. "The area of Pakistan along the border of Afghanistan had the heaviest surveillance by the United States drones ... surely they would have known if there were any safe havens?"
Khan said he cannot destroy his country to "fight someone else's war."
Who was Milind Rege? Former Mumbai stalwart and selector who passed away at 76
Food vlogger, Chatori Rajani's 17-year-old son Taran Jain dies in road accident
Pak vs NZ Dream11 predictions: Check best picks for ICC Champions Trophy 2025's opening match
Varun Dhawan suffers injury, shares photo of deep cut on his finger: 'This one gets...'
Meet man, who joined NVIDIA in 1997, helped it become USD 3 trillion company amid US-China AI war
Asap Rocky found not guilty of shooting at former friend, Rihanna reacts: 'The glory belongs to...'
LIC Smart Pension Plan: Invest Rs 1 lakh and get Rs... every month on maturity, here's how
Influencer recreates Katrina Kaif's dialogue from Tees Maar Khan and it's absolutely on point
Future of Pilot Ejection: Martin-Baker's advanced technology comes to India
Meet Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, Sudha Murty's granddaughters, their famous parents are...
FWICE urges Maharashtra government to make Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna's Chhaava tax-free
Priyanka Chopra gives major Rangeela vibes as she channels her 'inner Urmila Matondkar'
Jamie Lever mimicking Govinda's wife Sunita Ahuja will start your day with laughter
Watch: Priyanka Chopra lands in Mumbai days after brother’s wedding, helps a person on streets by…
'They have a lot more money': Trump questions USD 21 million fund for voter turnout in India
Bank Holiday Today: Banks to remain closed on February 19 in THIS state due to...
Donald Trump signs executive order to expand access to IVF
Meet woman, who left her medical career for husband who became one of India's richest men
Meet IPS officer, who has been demoted due to his 2nd marriage; here's why
How Elon Musk became world's richest man with Rs 33 lakh crore business empire
DNA TV Show: Conflicting data on Delhi station stampede reveals communication gap
WATCH: Baba Ramdev at 59 takes part in race with horse, netizens say 'Olympics me chalo'
Delhi woman turns auto driver to support daughter, her story goes viral
Viral video declares Rajat Patidar ‘Captain of Captains’ after RCB names him Skipper, here's why
Indian Army havildar loses teen son, saves others’ lives by...
WPL 2025: Smriti Mandhana creates history during RCB vs DC match, becomes first player to cross...
Ronit Roy says he was the first choice for Pardes but he was replaced by...because...
‘Papa killed mummy': 4-year-old's drawing creates suspicion over woman’s alleged suicide
Sunil Mittal gets Rs 8486 crore after selling....; still seeks funds for newer...
How a low cost floor cleaning robot revolutinising home automation – Check details
Harvard Alum Aayush Puri: Move back to India, the future is here
Vicky Kaushal reveals how his fight scene with lion in Chhaava was shot: 'We were all so...'
Shabana Azmi holds her ears, issues public apology to Dabba Cartel co-star Jyotika; here's why
Meet Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter, who cracked IIT-JEE Advanced, went to IIT Delhi, now working as...
'Kohli never said a word': Pakistan's Haris Rauf on Virat Kohli hitting sixes against him in...
Bengaluru to witness hottest summer says IMD, recorded season’s highest temperature at...
Ranveer Singh to venture in production amid box office slump? Here's the truth
Where to Buy Testosterone in the USA? Top 3 Best Brands of Testosterone Cypionate in 2025
Pregnant woman employee gets Rs 1 crore compensation after being fired through...
ELECRAMA 2025: Powering the Future of Energy
Steroids for Sale in the USA: Buy Steroids Online in 2025
How to Choose Trenbolone for Sale Online? Review of Popular Trenbolone Manufacturers
After disrupting Indian market, Mukesh Ambani takes THIS popular brand to...
Remedium Lifecare Lands Rs 182 Crore Multi-Year Contract: Stock Set for Major Upturn
Former ISRO chief AS Kiran Kumar visits Goenka Temple, expresses hope for successful Mars mission
Anil Ambani's Rs 9831 crore company set to enter NEW space, makes key...
Vladimir Putin's BIG warning to Ukraine, will negotiate only if...
347 rooms, Rs 22400 crore worth: India's most expensive wedding venue is located in...
Woman constable carries baby on duty, RPSF says, 'she serves, she...', video goes viral
'Caught Red-Handed': Cognizant accuses Narayana Murthy's Infosys of stealing THIS secret in...
'Bharat Jodo Vivah': Wedding invite of Jammu's daughter, Kerala's son wows internet
Radhika Apte shares first post after sparking controversy with breast pump photo: 'We are very...'