The opposition has collectively condemned Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement in Tehran, accepting that terrorists misused the country’s soil to plan and carry out attacks in Iran.
The PM at a joint press conference with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, stated: “I know Iran has suffered from terrorism [perpetrated] by groups operating from Pakistan. …we [need to] have trust in each other that both countries will not allow any terrorist activity from their soil. We hope this will build confidence between us.”
Condemnation came strong and quick. PML-N MNA Khurram Dastagir Khan said: "No prime minister has ever made such a confession on foreign soil.” "The prime minister has committed diplomatic blunders," the MNA said, adding that through such statements the PM was harming national security.
Former foreign minister and PPP MNA Hina Rabbani Khar also condemned the premier’s statement. "We are worried for the country after seeing it continually become a laughing stock…this is not funny anymore. You cannot play with the destiny of this country anymore."
Khar said that people who made “less severe” statements were exiled from the country and “cases were filed against them and their right to be elected was taken away”. “You cannot make these stupid statements and expect us to stand behind you," she added.
Meanwhile, PTI leader and Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari defended Khan’s statement, saying his words were being quoted out of context. She also defended PM’s blunder of calling Japan and Germany neighbours as a "slip of the tongue".
The PM at a joint press conference with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, stated: “I know Iran has suffered from terrorism [perpetrated] by groups operating from Pakistan. …we [need to] have trust in each other that both countries will not allow any terrorist activity from their soil. We hope this will build confidence between us.”
Condemnation came strong and quick. PML-N MNA Khurram Dastagir Khan said: "No prime minister has ever made such a confession on foreign soil.” "The prime minister has committed diplomatic blunders," the MNA said, adding that through such statements the PM was harming national security.
Former foreign minister and PPP MNA Hina Rabbani Khar also condemned the premier’s statement. "We are worried for the country after seeing it continually become a laughing stock…this is not funny anymore. You cannot play with the destiny of this country anymore."
Khar said that people who made “less severe” statements were exiled from the country and “cases were filed against them and their right to be elected was taken away”. “You cannot make these stupid statements and expect us to stand behind you," she added.
Meanwhile, PTI leader and Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari defended Khan’s statement, saying his words were being quoted out of context. She also defended PM’s blunder of calling Japan and Germany neighbours as a "slip of the tongue".