Khan faults US announcement of troop exit date

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has faulted the US decision on fixing a date for withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden’s announcement of the Sept. 11 deadline had undercut Pakistan’s leverage on the Taliban, Prime Minister Imran Khan said.

In an interview The New York Times, Khan sought a new bond with the US after Sept 11, 2021, when all US forces are to exit Afghanistan.

He also spoke of his efforts to build a closer and more cooperative relationship with Afghanistan and improve ties with India.

The premier told NYT: “Given that the United States gave a date of withdrawal, from then onward, our leverage diminished on the Taliban…”

The moment the US gave a departure date, the Taliban claimed victory, he said, adding the rebels were thinking they won the war.

Khan claimed Pakistan had used its leverage to convince the Taliban to talk to the US and then join the Afghan peace process.

Khan said his government desired its future relationship with the US to be based on trust and common objectives, including a peaceful Afghanistan.

Pakistan had been trying to convince the Taliban that they should not go for a military victory because it would trigger a protracted civil strife, he added.

Khan said: “Pakistan will only recognise a government which is chosen by the people of Afghanistan, whichever government they choose.”

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