Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Hosting American bases may lead to revenge attacks in Pakistan: Imran Khan

Hosting American bases may lead to revenge attacks in Pakistan: Imran Khan

PAKISTAN prime minister Imran Khan has ruled out hosting American bases in his country for military action inside war-torn Afghanistan, fearing it might lead to Pakistan being "targeted in revenge attacks" by terrorists.

In an opinion piece in The Washington Post ahead of US president Joe Biden's meeting with top Afghan leaders at the White House later this week, Khan also questioned the efficacy of US bases in Pakistan.


"We simply cannot afford this. We have already paid too heavy a price,” Khan said, amid reports that the US continues to focus on Pakistan for a military base in the region.

He added, “If Pakistan were to agree to host US bases, from which to bomb Afghanistan, and an Afghan civil war ensued, Pakistan would be targeted for revenge by terrorists again.

“If the United States, with the most powerful military machine in history, couldn't win the war from inside Afghanistan after 20 years, how would America do it from bases in our country?”

Khan, however, stressed that Pakistan and the US have the same interests in Afghanistan - a political settlement, stability, economic development and the denial of any haven for terrorists.

"We want a negotiated peace, not civil war," he wrote.

Khan said Pakistan is ready to be a partner for peace in Afghanistan with the US, but “we will avoid risking further conflict” after the withdrawal of American troops.

Biden's talks with Afghan president Ashraf Ghani and Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation chairman, Abdullah Abdullah, on Friday (25) will centre on US troop withdrawal amid a surge in fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban.

Khan said Pakistan in the past had made a mistake by choosing between warring Afghan parties but said the country had learned from the experience.

“We have no favourites and will work with any government that enjoys the confidence of the Afghan people. History proves that Afghanistan can never be controlled from outside,” he said.

Khan noted that the wars in Afghanistan left more than 70,000 Pakistanis dead. While the United States provided $20 billion (£14.3 bn) in aid, losses to the Pakistani economy exceeded $150bn (£107.9bn).

He said tourism and investment dried up and after joining the US effort, Pakistan was targeted as a collaborator, “leading to terrorism against our country from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other groups”.

He also questioned the use of US drone attacks, which “I warned against”, and said they didn't win the war, but that they created hatred for Americans, “swelling the ranks of terrorist groups against both our countries”.

More than three million Afghan refugees are in Pakistan and their number may increase in case of further civil war in Afghanistan, he cautioned.

Khan said most of the Taliban are from the Pashtun ethnic group and more than half the Pashtuns live on the Pakistan side of the border.

“This is why we have done a lot of real diplomatic heavy lifting to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table, first with the Americans, and then with the Afghan government.”

"We know that if the Taliban tries to declare a military victory, it will lead to endless bloodshed. We hope the Afghan government will also show more flexibility in the talks, and stop blaming Pakistan, as we are doing everything we can short of military action,” he said.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less