Khan pleads for recognition of new Afghan govt

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The Pakistani prime minister has once again pleaded for the international recognition of the new Afghan rulers.

Imran Khan said in an interview on Tuesday the world had no other alternative but to recognise the Taliban government.

Speaking to France’s Le Figaro, he said Pakistan could be the only country to recognise the Taliban government. Recognition should be a collective process, he suggested.

“If Pakistan becomes the first to grant recognition, international pressure will become too much for us as we are trying to turn our economy around,” he argued.

The premier remarked: “Pakistan believes the more stable the Afghan government is, the less the terrorist groups can operate there.”

The Taliban government had assured Pakistan of forming an inclusive government and ensuring respect for human rights, he said.

Khan warned: “If the humanitarian crisis worsens in Afghanistan, we will have an influx of refugee … We don’t have the resources to accept more refugees.”

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