Prime Minister Imran Khan’s strong speech during PTI’s public rally in Mailsi has caused quite the storm in Pakistan. The premier’s fiery words to the European Union (EU) envoys have garnered both criticism and praise.
As the Western bloc increases its diplomatic isolation of Russia, it is also putting pressure on other countries to do the same. Earlier, the envoys of 22 countries, including EU member states, had jointly called on Pakistan in a letter to support a resolution in the UNGA condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The joint statement came despite Pakistan calling for balanced and broad-based relations with all countries including the United States and the European Union. The Foreign Office of Pakistan also said the letter showed “an unacceptable attitude” by EU diplomats.
Read more: Russia must stop assault against Ukraine: G7 countries
Strong words!
Taking exception to the EU letter, PM Khan slammed the EU diplomats for the move. He questioned whether the EU took a similar stance with India.
“EU ambassadors wrote a letter to Pakistan, asking us to issue an anti-Russia statement. I ask EU ambassadors “did you write that letter to India as well?” said PM Imran. He also recalled Pakistan’s role in the War on Terror and the sacrifices made by the country.
“I ask EU ambassadors, did you thank us? Did you say we helped you in your war? Did you appreciate us?” PM Imran questioned the EU envoys.
“When India broke international law in Kashmir and abrogated Kashmir’s autonomous status, did anyone of you break ties with India, end trade or criticise [New Delhi]?” asked PM Imran.
“What are we? Are we your slaves? Do we do what you say?” the premier questioned.
The premier then said that Pakistan does not want enmity with anyone.
“We seek friendship with everyone,” he said, and reiterated that Pakistan is friends with Russia, the US, Europe, China and was not part of “any camp”.
The premier said Islamabad will not take part in any war but will be “a part of peace[ful] solution to the conflict.”
#WATCH Prime Minister of #Pakistan 🇵🇰 Imran Khan slams envoys of 22 EU countries for urging Pakistan to condemn #Russia’s invasion of #Ukraine️ , "Have you written a similar letter to #India?" – PM #ImranKhan asks EU diplomats. pic.twitter.com/opiwRWsVL7
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) March 6, 2022
Furthermore, PM Khan also lashed out at PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F while talking about the no-confidence move.
Pakistan in awe of PM Khan’s speech
Needless to say, PM Khan’s words won praise from many in Pakistan. Netizens took to Twitter to appreciate the premier for strongly asserting Pakistan’s stance. They praised him for his “bravery” in lashing out at the EU. Owing to the sheer economical power of the West, the norm has been to appease the Western leaders.
However, PM Khan has always taken a strong stance and on numerous occasions refused to buckle under Western pressure. Another memorable example is when PM Khan refused to host any US bases in Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan is once again rejoicing at its leader’s bold words.
Read more: Pakistan would ‘absolutely not’ allow US bases in Pakistan, PM Khan
“Imran Khan is the most courageous, proud, independent, and sovereign prime minister in Pakistan’s history,” one user wrote.
عمران خان پاکستان کی تاریخ کے سب سے زیادہ دلیر ،غیرت مند ،خوددار اور خودمختار وزیراعظم ہیں۔ #عدم_اعتماد_ہوگی_ناکام pic.twitter.com/EYaukablWT
— Usman Khan (@UsmanGhani_K) March 7, 2022
“PM Imran Khan did the right thing by exposing the hypocrisy and double standards of the EU. Pakistan should be prepared to face the extreme pressure of the West now. But this is the price worth paying for the country’s sovereignty,” another Twitterati wrote.
PM Imran Khan did the right thing by exposing the hypocrisy & double standards of the #EU. #Pakistan should be prepared to face the extreme pressure of the West now. But this is the price worth paying for the country's #sovereignty.
— ImHassan (@Hassaan__Khan1) March 6, 2022
Have you ever imagined such a courageous stand by any Pakistani Premier?
PM @ImranKhanPTI said If anyone attempts a drone attack, I would order the Air Force to shoot it down.#میلسی_بولے_صرف_کپتان #عدم_اعتماد_ہوگی_ناکام pic.twitter.com/4k0vmOnOoQ
— Abdul Basit Mohmand (@BasitMohmand331) March 7, 2022
How dare brown PM of rundown country living off IMF money give lecture to EU for sending a letter to his country on Russia vote. How dare he ? them for not sending a letter to India on Kashmir, Or ask them about decades support Pak gave to west. Doesn’t he know his place? 😂😂
— Najma Minhas (@MinhasNajma) March 6, 2022
While the greater public opinion was in favor of PM Khan lashing out at EU, his speech was also met with criticism. According to the critics, such a blunt anti-west stance would result in diplomatic alienation of Pakistan, which would have severe consequences for the country’s economy.
A new populist lollipop to the nation when Imran Khan knows that his days at PM Office are numbered, he has come up with anti WEST, anti EU, and anti USA policies to fetch the right wing sympathy, but what Pakistan is going to achieve being alienated from her allies and west. https://t.co/aXHz9J9L8a
— Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) March 6, 2022
PM’s stance against the West has merit. Question is simple: what are the alternate plans to take Pakistan out of an existential economic crisis when we have $130B debt, major exports are to West, IMF is our lifeline.
Sovereignty without economic sovereignty is meaningless.
— Najam Ali (@NajamAli2020) March 6, 2022