India’s investment seems sinking in Afghanistan, warns Pakistan army
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar claimed on Saturday that India’s investments in Afghanistan seemed to be “sinking” and added that “Indian propaganda” against Pakistan and its role in the peace process was “not gaining traction”.
New Delhi and Kabul share deepened economic and trade links despite uncertainties about achieving a political settlement to the lingering conflict in Afghanistan. India has invested over $3 billion in reconstruction and relief work since 2001 when US-led troops drove the Taliban out of Kabul. Delhi still firmly supports President Ashraf Ghani’s government.
In an interview with a local TV channel, Gen Iftikhar said that “spoilers” (an indirect reference to India) were trying to hold Pakistan responsible for the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan prompted by the announcements of withdrawal of US and Nato forces from the war-torn country.
“But there is no truth is these allegations. The world is very well aware that Pakistan has made every effort to solve the Afghan issue, without violence and according to the wishes of the Afghan people,” the military spokesperson said.
“Pakistan is still a facilitator of this peace process and not a guarantor,” the general said.
Responding to a question about whether the US should remove itself completely from the region, he said there was only one requirement from the US: a responsible withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“What that meant was their exit would have happened after a transition. But it happened a little quickly. I think that it has been said with a lot of clarity that there is no question nor requirement of bases for the US,” Gen Iftikhar said, adding that the regional powers were well capable of resolving the issue.
“So you are saying the Americans are not needed, that they can leave?” the interviewer asked. “No, I don’t think they are needed,” he replied.
When asked about the perception in Afghanistan that the Taliban would come to power, he said: “We need to understand that if that happens, that would be the decision of the Afghans. No one will dictate this decision from the outside.”
New Delhi and Kabul share deepened economic and trade links despite uncertainties about achieving a political settlement to the lingering conflict in Afghanistan. India has invested over $3 billion in reconstruction and relief work since 2001 when US-led troops drove the Taliban out of Kabul. Delhi still firmly supports President Ashraf Ghani’s government.
In an interview with a local TV channel, Gen Iftikhar said that “spoilers” (an indirect reference to India) were trying to hold Pakistan responsible for the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan prompted by the announcements of withdrawal of US and Nato forces from the war-torn country.
“But there is no truth is these allegations. The world is very well aware that Pakistan has made every effort to solve the Afghan issue, without violence and according to the wishes of the Afghan people,” the military spokesperson said.
“Pakistan is still a facilitator of this peace process and not a guarantor,” the general said.
Responding to a question about whether the US should remove itself completely from the region, he said there was only one requirement from the US: a responsible withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“What that meant was their exit would have happened after a transition. But it happened a little quickly. I think that it has been said with a lot of clarity that there is no question nor requirement of bases for the US,” Gen Iftikhar said, adding that the regional powers were well capable of resolving the issue.
“So you are saying the Americans are not needed, that they can leave?” the interviewer asked. “No, I don’t think they are needed,” he replied.
When asked about the perception in Afghanistan that the Taliban would come to power, he said: “We need to understand that if that happens, that would be the decision of the Afghans. No one will dictate this decision from the outside.”
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