Western countries’ tightlipped when comes to Kashmir issue: PM Khan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday has complained Western countries’ double standards regarding their response on issues of Kashmir and Uyghurs.  

While interacting with Chinese media during an exclusive interview, the Premier said that both countries had bonds of friendship spanning over a period of 7 decades, which is being further cemented with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

“There is a feeling in Pakistan that China always stood with us in times of need and supported us during difficult times. Similarly, Pakistan also always stood with China,” Imran Khan said.  

The cricketer-turned politician also referred to the construction of the Karakorum highway as a vital milestone in the chapter of Pakistan-China friendship. 

“A number of Chinese died during its construction,” he stressed.

Alluding to the rapid urbanization in Pakistan, Prime Minister said we also want to learn from Chinese experience as to how they have built their mega cities and coped with urban development.

Imran Khan said both Pakistan and China enjoy mutually beneficial relationship spanning over seventy years.  

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said Pakistan wants to emulate the Chinese model of development to ensure inclusive economic growth and lift the people out of poverty.

Moreover, Imran Khan pointed out that the Western countries waste no opportunity to highlight the Uyghur issue (One of China's 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities), however, they are tightlipped when it comes to Kashmiris who are suffering because of Indian forces. 

All lingering issues including, border disputes and Kashmir dispute, should be handled via negotiation and diplomacy in accordance with the norms of international law, Imran Khan highlighted. 

Expressing his eagerness to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, Prime Minister said that the time-tested ties between the two countries had grown strongly over a period of time. 

While referring to the situation in Afghanistan, Imran stressed the need of international community’s engagement to avoid economic meltdown and avert humanitarian crisis in that country. 

“The instability and turmoil that plagued Afghanistan for the past 20 years have come to close with a hope of peace finally returning to the region,” said Former Cricketer.

Concluding the interview, Imran Khan— on behalf of Pakistanis, congratulated China on their upcoming Lunar New Year.