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Updated 15 Sep, 2021 10:16pm

Afghanistan can never be controlled from outside, warns PM Imran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said he believes Afghanistan is at a 'historic crossroads', adding that If Taliban got all the factions together, Afghanistan could have peace after 40 years.

In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson in Islamabad, he warned that if things go the other way, there could be a huge humanitarian crisis.

Imran Khan said that at present no one can predict where Afghanistan will go.

"We can hope and pray that there is peace after 40 years. That the Taliban, what they have said, that they want an inclusive government, they want women rights."

He said the Taliban's promises suggest they want to be recognized internationally.

Imran Khan said that Afghanistan can never be controlled from outside, so instead of trying to control them, they should offer benefits.

Imran Khan said that the present government in Afghanistan clearly understands that without international help they cannot help the people and deal with this crisis so we should provide incentives to them.

He claimed that the Taliban are looking for international aid to avoid a crisis, which could be used to push the group in "the right direction towards legitimacy."

To a question about women's rights, the premier replied it was a "mistake" to think someone from outside would give Afghan women their rights.

"Afghan women are strong. Give them time, they will get their rights," he said. "You cannot impose women's rights from abroad."

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