Afghans have broken 'shackles of slavery': Pak PM Imran Khan
Islamabad, Aug 16: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday seemed to endorse the Taliban taking over Kabul by saying that Afghanistan has broken the "shackles of slavery" in the neighbouring war-torn country.
The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country.
Khan made these remarks while addressing a ceremony to launch the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC) from Grade 1 to 5, which was part of the manifesto of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
The premier spoke how the parallel education system led to the existence of "English medium" schools, resulting in the adoption of "someone else's culture" in Pakistan.
When you adopt someone's culture you believe it to be superior and you end up becoming a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a system of mental salves that is worse than the actual slavery.
In the same breath, he indirectly likened the ongoing upheaval in Afghanistan with the people of the country breaking the shackles of slavery".
Khan said becoming a mental slave was worse than being an actual slave, adding that subjugated minds can never make big decisions.
Pakistan is accused of facilitating the Taliban rebellion which ultimately resulted in the capturing of the country after being ousted about 20 years ago.
Officially Pakistan has maintained that it wanted a broad-based inclusive government in Afghanistan and was also hosting the Afghan leaders to create consensus for a peaceful transformation.
Meanwhile, Khan launched the SNC despite criticism because it put emphasis on religious teaching instead of modern national sciences. All provinces agreed to introduce it except the Sindh province.
Khan rejected all criticism and announced that the plan to introduce the education system from Grade 1-12 in the coming years would go ahead.
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Delhi CM joins 'Shakti Walk' at Kartavya Path on International Women's Day
New Delhi (PTI): A "Shakti Walk" was organised at Kartavya Path here on Sunday to mark International Women's Day, with the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta calling it a reflection of women's collective strength and their role in nation-building.
The event was also attended by Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, Minister of State Anupriya Patel and Savitri Thakur, and National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, along with hundreds of women.
Speaking at the event, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the event reflected the spirit of women's empowerment and their role in nation-building.
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"Today, through this Kartavya Path, we are reminded that our responsibility is not only towards ourselves or our families but also towards society and the country," Gupta said while addressing participants.
Extending greetings on the occasion, she said the day was meant to honour women's strength and dignity.
"Today is truly a day that honours the power of women and enhances their dignity across the world and the country," she said.
Gupta said women in India were achieving new milestones across sectors.
"From startups to space missions, from teachers to doctors and engineers and in every major project, today India's women are leading. Today, women lead the armed forces, and they also lead society," she said.
"Today is a day for all of us to think ahead, to set goals and to determine our role in nation building. India will move forward under the leadership of women's power. The women of India will lead the country forward," Gupta said.
Union minister Annapurna Devi said women across the country were demonstrating their capabilities in every field and encouraged them to continue moving forward and achieving new milestones.
The event was organised to celebrate women's achievements and to encourage greater participation of women in leadership roles across society, officials said.
