Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan praises India's foreign policy, plays EAM Jaishankar's video at a rally
Lahore, Aug 14: Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan has once again heaped praise on India for pursuing an "independent foreign policy" and lauded Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar for standing firm to the sustained US pressure over buying cheap oil from Russia.
While addressing a rally here on Saturday, on the eve of the country's 75th Independence Day, Khan said that while India bought oil from Russia because it was in its people's interest, the current dispensation under Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan couldn't survive without Washington's support.
"If India which got independence at the same time as Pakistan and if New Delhi can take a firm stand and make their foreign policy as per the need of its people then who are they (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif government) who are towing the line," Khan said at the rally.
Khan, the 69-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was voted out of power last month through a no-confidence motion, which he alleges was masterminded by the US with the help of local players over his pursuance of an independent foreign policy.
This is not the first time that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party chairman has praised India for pursuing an independent foreign policy.
In May, Khan praised India for pursuing its "independent" foreign policy and said the US cannot dare to dictate to India because it is a free country.
"India is buying oil and weapons from Russia but the US does not say anything to it because it (India) is an independent country. India is also doing trade with Iran but the US does not object to it," he had said.
Khan played out External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's video clip at Saturday's rally to elucidate his point further.
"India's foreign minister was told by them (referring to the US) not to buy oil from Russia. He (Jaishankar) categorically told them Who are you to tell us what to do'. The Indian foreign minister told them if Europe is buying gas from Russia...who are you to tell us (India) not to buy oil from Russia," Khan said, while asserting that India is a sovereign country and has the courage to protect the interest of its people.
Jaishankar had made the following remarks at the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum in Slovakia in June on the topic 'Taking Friendship to the Next Level: Allies in the Indo-Pacific Region'.
Khan also slammed the Sharif government for bowing down to US pressure on buying Russian oil.
"India forms it's (foreign) policy keeping in view the interest of its people but those who are imposed on us (Sharifs and Zardaris) they watch only their interests," he said, adding that if India can safeguard the interests of its people, why cannot the Pakistani government do the same?
Khan also regretted that he wanted to buy cheap oil from Russia to benefit the poor, but his government was sent packing through a conspiracy hatched by the US and its three stooges -- Sharif, Asif Zaradri and Fazlur Rehman.
Khan said that he is not "anti-American and wants a "friendly relationship with the US, instead of becoming their "slave.
Khan said he had enjoyed "good ties with former US president Donald Trump as he was "respectable during his visit to the US.
"Ask anyone from the Pakistan-American community they will testify that no one before me had gotten the protocol that Trump gave to me, he claimed.
During the rally, Khan shared his party's "roadmap for Haqeeqi Azadi (real freedom) to counter the federal government and push towards early elections.
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Rahul Gandhi lays foundation stone for 100 houses for landslide victims in Wayanad
Wayanad (Kerala) (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for 100 houses to be constructed by the party for victims of the 2024 landslide here.
Congress is constructing 100 houses, each measuring 1,100 sq ft and 8 cents of land.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha assured the affected families that he and his family would always stand with those who had lost everything in the tragedy.
He recalled witnessing two major landslides and how people responded to them.
“You have lost a lot, but you have not lost your spirit. You never lost your courage. Most importantly, you did not lose your compassion,” Gandhi said.
Rahul said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had pointed out alleged delays in the process of constructing houses for the victims.
“There were complexities related to permissions, land and other issues. Now, I hope it will be completed soon,” he said.
He described the ceremony as a "symbol and a message" to the affected families.
“In this process of recovery and healing, we are with you. We will stand with you whenever you need us,” he said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she had witnessed the hardship of people who lost everything, including their families.
She mentioned Anyan and Hanni, who lost their farms and family members in the landslide.
“We have tried our best to raise your voice in Parliament again and again. All our MPs met the Home Minister to demand that it be declared a national disaster. We wrote to the Prime Minister and held protests outside Parliament,” she said.
She said what struck her most after the tragedy was the courage of the people.
“The way you all stood together, no matter what religion or section you belong to, you gave love and courage when it mattered most,” she said.
She said she was not the MP when the tragedy struck, but had since become a daughter, sister and part of the family.
Vadra said all political parties had contributed to the rehabilitation process.
As the people's struggle continues, the party would stand with them to overcome it, she added.
Both leaders also distributed Rs 5 lakh each to 40 people who lost their shops in the landslide.
Senior Congress and UDF leaders were present at the event.
