Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday slammed the European Union (EU) in response to their recent letter in which they asked Pakistan to denounce Russia’s “unprovoked attack” on Ukrain, asking them if they thought Pakistan as their “slave” country.
Previously, on March 1, the heads of 22 diplomatic delegations, including those of European Union member states, issued a joint letter urging the Pakistan government to support a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Are we your slaves?”
“What do you think of us? Are we your slaves … that whatever you say, we will do?” PM Khan said while addressing a public rally.
Pakistan, a traditional ally of the West, abstained from voting at the event, as the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly reprimanded Russia for invading Ukraine.
No Similar Letter to India:
“I want to ask the European Union ambassadors: Did you write such a letter to India?” said Prime Minister Khan while addressing the rally, mentioning that Pakistan’s arch-rival had also refused to vote.
Khan also said European countries had not censured India for its aggression in Kashmir, a disputed region over which the neighboring countries have fought two wars.
He said Pakistan had suffered in past because of its support with the Western NATO alliance in Afghanistan, and instead of gratitude faced criticism.
Pakistan to stay “neutral”:
“We are friends with Russia, and we are also friends with America; we are friends with China and with Europe; we are not in any camp,” the premier added, saying Pakistan would remain “neutral” and collaborate with those trying to end the war in Ukraine.
A rare move by the Diplomatic mission:
On Friday, a Pakistani foreign office spokesperson said it was “not usual diplomatic practice” for envoys to make appeals such as their letter public, “and we have made that clear”.
The move to release the letter publicly was rare.