Pakistani Prime Minister: "Taliban Should Be Given Time and Aid to Keep Promises"

"Form a Legitimate Government and Enable Stabilization of Afghanistan"
"Afghan Women Will Reclaim Their Rights If Given Time to Do So Themselves"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, held his first press conference since the Taliban's reoccupation of Afghanistan, asserting that the international community should first provide the Taliban with time and aid to fulfill their promises. Pakistan, deeply involved in the Afghan situation including the Taliban after the U.S. withdrawal, is known to be a country favorable to the Taliban regime along with China.

On the 15th (local time), in an interview with CNN, Prime Minister Khan stated, "To lead the Taliban in a legitimate direction correctly, we must first encourage them by providing incentives through aid and give them time to change," adding, "Without international aid and assistance, the Taliban will find it difficult to overcome the crisis situation within Afghanistan."

Khan emphasized, "To bring about substantial change, negotiations are needed rather than military solutions like those of the U.S.," and "We must help the Taliban form a legitimate government and keep their promises to the international community." Analysts suggest that if Afghanistan's economic difficulties are not prevented, the civil war will continue, leading to a vicious cycle of refugee problems.

Regarding the issue of women's human rights violations committed by the Taliban, Khan explained that time will resolve it. He said, "If those outside think they can grant rights to Afghan women, that is a misconception," and "Afghan women are strong. If given time, they will find their rights on their own."

CNN reported that Khan's remarks represent Pakistan's stance, which views the Taliban positively. Pakistan is known to have had a close relationship with the Taliban during their first rule in 1996, showcasing their shared Sunni Islamic group identity.

There have also been reports that Pakistan assisted the Taliban when they captured Panjshir, a stronghold of the Afghan resistance forces. However, Pakistan denies allegations of supporting the Taliban, stating that they are not true.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.