ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Asad Umar has asserted that another mistake would be made if Pakistan was blamed for the ‘strategic blunders’ in Afghanistan by ‘those in the US’ pushing for a change in policy stance.
In a series of tweets today (Friday), the minister said that after invading Afghanistan for 20 years, the US has abruptly decided to cut losses and leave the country. “Even before it’s departure sees the imposed structure start to melt. Must be very frustrating. You feel u need a scapegoat,” he wrote.
The biggest super power in the world invades one of the poorest nations on earth. Keeps it occupied for 20 years. Decides to cut losses & leave abruptly. Even before it’s departure sees the imposed structure start to melt. Must be very frustrating. You feel u need a scapegoat (1)
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 13, 2021
The minister further said that Pakistan continues to be an agent of stability in the region and urged all stakeholders to work together for peace in the war-torn country. He further said that it was time to stop listening to the few corrupt leaders in the Afghan government.
If those in US pushing for this policy stance succeed to try and cover up their strategic blunders by blaming Pakistan, it will be yet another mistake. Pakistan has been and continues to be an agent for stability in the region. All involved should work together for peace (2)
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 13, 2021
“Their inability to carry the afghan nation with them is the reason they are weak & isolated. Global & regional players should not sacrifice the interest of the Afghan nation for these few corrupt leaders,” he added.
Time to stop listening to the few corrupt leaders in afghan govt. Their inability to carry the afghan nation with them is the reason they are weak & isolated . Global & regional players should not sacrifice the interest of the afghan nation for these few corrupt leaders. (3)
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 13, 2021
The statement comes two days after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused the United States of seeing his country as useful only in the context of the “mess” it is leaving behind in Afghanistan after 20 years of fighting.
On Wednesday, the premier said Washington had been pressing Pakistan to use its influence over the Taliban to broker an elusive peace deal as negotiations between the insurgents and Afghan government have stalled, and violence in Afghanistan has escalated sharply.
The Taliban claimed to have captured two of Afghanistan’s biggest cities in an advance that has raised fears of the collapse of the US-backed government.
