New Delhi: Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to Balochistan in his Independence Day saying he “welcomes and appreciates” the remarks on the right of the Baloch people to enjoy a violence-free life.
He said India “is a very considerate country” and “will not engage in a proxy war”. Mr Karzai also slammed Pakistan, saying “Pakistan is paying a heavy price for what they (Pakistani establishment) have done in support of radicalism". He also said the “Kashmir Valley is troubled by extremism” and that the Afghans know “where it is coming from”, adding that India is only “protecting its territory and people”.
The former President also exhorted India to take “bold steps to bolster Afghan defence capabilities”, adding that Afghanistan wanted defence equipment from India.
He was speaking to a select group of reporters ahead of an event being organised by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies in the Capital. The former President has also met India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during his ongoing visit.
“We in this region have suffered immensely from violence, the promotion of extremism and the violation of rights, especially the right to development. Therefore, the Prime Minister’s (Mr Modi) remarks on allowing the people of Balochistan to enjoy a violence-free life and to aspire for their development and progress is something that we appreciate and welcome,” Mr Karzai said.
