Hints at early general election
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has written a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking Pakistan’s help in the Afghan peace process, it was revealed on Monday.
Prime Minister Imran, in a meeting with TV anchors and reporters in the federal capital, informed that he received a letter from the US president. In the letter, Trump has asked Pakistan to play its role in Afghan peace talks which are aimed at catalysing an end to the 17-year invasion of Afghanistan by US troops.
Trump has also sought Pakistan’s help in bringing the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table, Prime Minister Imran disclosed. The letter comes days after the US president launched another tirade at Pakistan, alleging that the country “would take our money and do nothing for us.” “….We no longer pay Pakistan the $Billions because they would take our money and do nothing for us, Bin Laden being a prime example, Afghanistan being another. They were just one of many countries that take from the United States without giving anything in return. That’s ENDING!” Trump had tweeted on November 19.
Prime Minister Imran, in a series of tweets, had fired back at the US leader, saying the record needed to be “put straight”. The premier told journalists that previously, Pakistan had been apologetic in its relations with the United States but his government has dealt with the country on equal terms.
Prime Minister Imran assured that Pakistan would play any role possible for peace in Afghanistan.
Pakistan was among the countries that met in Geneva, Switzerland on November 27, 2018 on Afghan reforms and peace prospects in the region. During the two-day conference, Afghan leaders and international diplomats evaluated whether strategies and aid offered to Afghanistan were helping resolve the quagmire created by the prolonged war, paving way for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday hinted at early general election in the country. The premier held a meeting with senior journalists and anchors in Islamabad and had a detailed discussion over political, economic matters and opening Kartarpur border.
Responding to a question, the premier maintained that the formation of South Punjab province is a lengthy phase. “It is quite likely that early general elections are held in the country. Changes in ministries can also occur,” he said. PM Khan also warned of a stern law against money laundering. “Big names are being revealed. We will not let officers following go-slow policy to succeed. The opposition can walk away if they cannot support us,” pronounced the PM. He stressed that they will not let Shehbaz Sharif become the chairman of Public Accounts Committee.
Talking about the economy, PM Khan said, “We got a devastated economy. The government has no role in the increase and decrease of dollar value.” The premier went on to say that they have failed India’s plan to spread hatred. “We have opened Kartarpur corridor to botch India’s plan. The motive behind it was never to deceive anyone. It is not a googly but a straight decision,” declared PM Khan. “We are determined to solve Kashmir issue. This issue can be resolved if both the government wishes to do it,” he said.
PM Imran Khan reiterated support to his U-turn stance saying that they are only taken by great people. The prime minister said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was an autonomous body and the government had no say in its affairs in any way. “My political opponents have been after us since day one as they fear that their massive corruption will be unmasked,” he remarked.
PM Imran also vowed to rid the nation of corrupt bureaucracy and added that bank account details have been acquired with assistance from the foreign countries. The PTI-led government is not facing any issues as far as the civil-military relations are concerned, said the premier. “We will not grant any national reconciliation order (NRO) to anyone,” PM Imran said. “The country was looted in the past in the name of the Charter of Democracy.” The armed forces of the country are standing by the manifesto of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said the premier expressing confidence over cooperation among different state institutions. To a question, the premier said, “There’s isn’t a single decision that I haven’t taken on my own, and there’s not a single decision that doesn’t have the support of the army.” Monitoring Desk