Imran praised for highlighting Kashmir issue in DW interview

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has earned widespread praise for highlighting the human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) despite being interrupted several times by DW's anchorperson Richard Walker.

In a recent interview with German broadcaster, the former premier refused to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine saying Islamabad’s future is tied with Moscow in terms of gas, oil, and wheat import.

However, he reiterated that he was anti-war and never supported military action to solve any dispute.

When the former PM highlighted Kashmir dispute and West’s double standards on it, the anchor interrupted him several times but he continued speaking on the issue.

"What about Kashmir... India has usurped the rights of Kashmiris... Kashmir is a disputed territory between Pakistan and India,” he remarked while seemingly perturbed Walker continued to stop the former premier from speaking.  “I first want to move on and talk about Kashmir... this issue involves us and matter to us... what about other people not worrying about our human rights. Why we are supposed to condemn the European issues... don’t put us in a position where we have to take sides... allow us the luxury to stay neutral,” he remarked.

People belonging to various walks of life including PTI leaders and journalist heaped praise on Imran for taking a principled stance on the Kashmir dispute.

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“This is how a leader who believes in his nation's sovereignty replies to an agenda-driven Western news anchor for DW. No dithering or defensive or whimpering approach but clarity of thought & expression,” said former human rights minister Shireen Mazari on her official Twitter handle.