American Ambassador Cameron Munter’s earlier comments that Imran and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif had assured him of being pro-US if they formed the government, had put the PTI leader in the hot spot.
“[Munter] either misunderstood or misquoted my discussion with him regarding Pak-US relations,” clarified Imran.
He said that the PTI had consistently opposed the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s involvement in it. “If we have to win the War on Terror, we have to get out of it. It has caused a lot of suffering in Pakistan,” he said. “The Americans are now realising what PTI has been saying since the beginning, that war is not the answer to terrorism.”
While explaining his party’s opposition towards the reopening of the Nato supply routes in the country, Imran said that the resumption of further the US war effort in Afghanistan.
“Why doesn’t [the Pakistani government] reveal the names of the 22 people who were killed in the last drone attack? It knows that if it did, then even the American public will turn against [the war] as innocent people are being killed.” He added that his party would organise a walk on July 14 in Peshawar to protest against the drone attacks in the country.
While talking about the dual nationality law under debate in the parliament, Imran said that while overseas Pakistanis were a valuable asset for the country, they should not be allowed to draft laws or hold key offices. “All overseas Pakistanis, however, should have the right to vote.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 12th, 2012.
COMMENTS (9)
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Imran We believe you', What you say makes sense. Policies of US has been questionable
" that war is not the answer to terrorism.” OK So Imran Khan should also give the answer to terrorism. Or your answer is to allow them to carry out their activities( outside Pakistan ).
" PTI had consistently opposed the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s involvement in it." How can you deny that Taliban were created & encouraged by Pakistan(army and ISI ) The involvement is from the beginning. If innocent people are killed by drone attacks your party can also find and disclose the names and background of persons so killed . ( security agencies declares the identity as militants so killed under drone attacks. please disprove them with evidence and hearsay version is unacceptable). Opportunity is there to increase the credibility.
I a pretty sure that releasing the 22 names would not change any opinions in the States. Rather than prove innocence, it would much more likely prove infiltration of foreign elements and the presence of terrorists.
Anyone can watch Imran Khan previous interviews and speeches in jalsas and he would come to know that Imran Khan always said that he is not "anti-american" but against their policies of war on terror and treating Pakistan as slaves.
He is the only leader who has openly said that during his govt., drones would be shot down if any drone attacks happen. Also, he is the only leader to openly say that his govt. would not help NATO for war.
Yah Yah Yah!! We know
What is shocking is that Imran spoke about double face of Maulana Fazl Rehman (who is double face) and how Wikileaks showed that, and now we find he is double face too.
Screw the elections! All are liars
Right on, the Americans are not above lying and misquoting to suit their interests. To Munter, being "anti-American" means not supporting its policies based on complete bull. Being "pro-American" means supporting its policies even when they make no sense and have shown to be failures.