Pakistan's Afghan policy bearing bitter fruit: Meraj

“I do not condone the terrorism, bomb blasts, killing of innocent people in the name of so-called Jihad and Islam. I do not tolerate any conspiracy against democracy; intellectuals, writers, journalists, politicians and common men will oppose the imposition of Shariah by force”, he said.

But fact is that the children of the poor and deprived families had been exploited in the name of Islam during Afghan war for the sake of American friendship and “for few pennies” and now these very people are being used against Pakistan.  

Responding a question, Meraj Khan said he did not like Talibanisation. The people of a particular sect who claimed to be following right path should take part in the general elections and then implement their Shariah law. He said that people were talking against America now, but we had opposed American influence in Pakistan in 1954 and opposed Baghdad Pact, SEATO and CENTO and demanded independent foreign policy. “We had mortgaged our foreign policy to America in 1954. At that time we had pleaded that we cannot let our defence depend on the people living across seven seas for which we bear the brunt of rulers”, he added. We were looking for aid in the name of “friends of Pakistan”.

American aid of 1954 had turned Pakistan into a moth eaten country. Instead of “self reliance” we adopted the policy of “reliance”. Beggar nations cannot rectify their economy.

Pakistan had been made administration-oriented state since 1954 and not production-oriented country, the veteran politician argued.

During the dictatorial regime of Ayub Khan, the industrialists had been dependent on the PIDC.

Replying to a question, he said time has proved that socialist societies were better and socialism was better than imperialism.

In the socialist society resources are used for the welfare of people, their health and education. But we did not learn any lesson from our neighbours, he said.

“China is an emerging economic giant and has one trillion dollars reserves. We have remained under threat in different names. Help of imperialism is needed in fear. China has constructed Gwadar Port and always ready to help Pakistan in the time of need. We want to live in this region as a respectable nation. We will have to build our good relations with China and Iran. Our economic welfare is linked with both of these countries. We should also build our relations with Russia. We will have to break the shackle of frontline partner of the imperialist power”, Meraj Khan continued.