‘Humanity before politics’: US TV host heaps praise on PM Imran over Afghan evacuations

American broadcaster Glenn Beck, who got stuck in Mazra-i-Sharif following the Taliban takeover, has heaped praise on Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying no other global leader but Pakistan’s premier took an initiative to evacuate stranded people from Afghanistan.

“His leadership of placing humanity before politics is a great example of inter-faith cooperation, bridged by the shared value of human compassion,” Beck said in a series of tweets and a letter, sharing details of the support extended by Premier Imran in the evacuation of American and local people from the war-torn country.

Beck mentioned that in hours of desperate need, numerous leaders in political and civil society reached out around the world for help, however, the “silence was shocking”. Some calls and requests received a simple yes or no, some went unanswered, he added.

“But we received an immediate response to our requests from Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, who then acted on his willingness to assist,” he said.

“PM Khan quickly asked his people to intervene on our behalf and was able to make the difference between life and death for those onboard the first three aircraft to leave Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan with nearly a thousand civilians on board,” he said. “Many of them are Americans.”

He said PM Imran’s “tireless leadership, supported by the military and civilian resources of Pakistan and their ability to cooperate with the Taliban, enabled the first two flights to depart Mazar-i-Sharif with FIFA female athletes and their families onboard”.

“Collectively, we transcended religious differences, political divides, national boundaries and local dynamics – it was about a humanitarian effort aimed at saving innocent victims facing certain death if left behind in a war-ravaged country,” Beck added.

“He [Premier Imran] took the lead to save innocent lives irrespective of politics, race, religion or culture,” he said. “He has been gracious with his time and never once questioned our motives.”

He said other media outlets may have their own agenda for criticising Imran Khan over the last few days, but the leader should be recognised for the lives he helped save this weekend.

“I sincerely thank him and pray he continues to help us work to build a bridge with the common interest of protecting innocent, precious lives during this humanitarian effort,” said.

He stressed that the United States should collectively recognise Pakistan’s assistance at this juncture.

“We will not forget this support that has enabled America and its allies to make good on their promises to those that helped them without pause or reflection,” he said.

Beck said Pakistan had once again proven to be a valued partner in all seasons for the United States, despite recent criticism from some sections of the American media.

“We look forward to the ongoing continued cooperation in the coming weeks as we continue our common goal of protecting the innocent during this humanitarian effort, and the United States should collectively recognise Pakistan’s assistance at this juncture."