Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday (6/3) criticized Western envoys who urged Pakistan to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine. According to Khan, his country is not a slave of the West who can be ruled.
"What do you think of us? Are we your slaves? That whatever you say, we will do?" Khan said in his speech, as quoted by Reuters.
The heads of 22 diplomatic missions, including EU member states, released a joint letter on March 1 urging Pakistan to support a resolution at the UN General Assembly condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
At the time of decision-making, Pakistan abstained because it considered the UN General Assembly too cornering Russia for attacking Ukraine.
In response, Khan questioned the attitude of European countries to silence on India's actions in Kashmir, a mountainous region where Pakistan and India have fought two wars.
"I want to ask the EU ambassador, did you write such a letter to India?" said Khan.
Khan admitted that Pakistan is now finding it difficult because it has supported the NATO and Western alliances in Afghanistan. Instead of receiving thanks, his country received criticism.
Khan had become the world's spotlight because he continued his visit to Moscow at the end of last February. Khan also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin hours after he announced the military operation in Ukraine.
In his statement, Khan stressed, Pakistan is not in any stronghold and remains friends with many countries.
"We are friends with Russia, and we are friends with America too. We are friends with China and Europe. Pakistan will remain neutral and work with those who are trying to end the war in Ukraine," Khan said.
