Strategic-depth policy changed: Pakistan PM

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has stopped seeking strategic depth in Afghanistan, saying it is promoting peace in the neighbouring country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday his country was pushing for a political settlement in Afghanistan before the departure of foreign forces.

Islamabad’s quest for a negotiated political solution was aimed to cut the risk of civil war in Afghanistan, Khan said in an interview with Reuters.

He added: “There is a lot of fear right now in Pakistan and I assure you that we are trying our level best that there is some sort of political settlement before the Americans leave.”

The premier noted the Taliban believed they had won the war after US President Joe Biden’s announcement of withdrawing all American troops from Afghanistan by September 11.

It would not be easy getting concessions from the insurgent movement after the US decision on a complete troop pullout, the prime minister opined.

In case of a possible civil strife or a new refugee crisis across the Durand Line, Khan said Pakistan would suffer the most after Afghanistan itself.

He insisted his government had changed Pakistan’s long-running policy of pushing for strategic depth in Afghanistan to ensure there was a friendly government in Kabul.

“Any Afghan government chosen by the people is who Pakistan should deal with. Pakistan should not try to do any manipulation in Afghanistan.”

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