New Delhi: It is the double standards of a protagonist who thrives in deceit.
In his first media interview post-fall of Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan made an impatient plea for "international aid and help" for the Taliban dispensation and went to the extent of calling them a 'current government' – a phrase used generally for elected regimes.
"Rather than sitting here and thinking that we can sort of control them, we should incentivise them," Imran told CNN.
"Because in Afghanistan, this current government (Taliban regime) clearly feels that without international aid and help, they will not be able to stop this crisis."
Pakistan PM's remarks come within hours US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that Washington will 'reassess' its ties with Islamabad.
"So, we should incentivise them," he said, giving a clear impression that he is strongly batting for the current militant leaders in Kabul who took over power by force and virtually chased out the previous 'elected' government led by Ashraf Ghani.
Answering questions on various issues, including the rights of the Afghan women, Imran Khan – once a popular cricket star and had male and female fans across the globe -retorted: "I feel very strongly that it is a mistake to think that someone from outside will give Afghan women their rights."
"…. Afghan women are strong. Give them time, they will get their rights."
He further said, "Women should have the ability in society to fulfill their potential in life. What I am saying is that you cannot impose women's rights from outside."
SCO Meet:
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the 21st Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17.
The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will chair the meeting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Indian delegation and address the Summit's plenary session via video link.
"At Dushanbe, India will be represented by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar," an MEA release said.
The leaders of the SCO Member States, Observer States, Secretary-General of the SCO, President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests will attend the SCO Summit.
This is the first SCO Summit being held in a hybrid format and the fourth Summit that India will participate as a full-fledged member of SCO.
"This Summit assumes significance as the organisation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. At the Summit, the leaders are expected to review the organisation's activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of future cooperation. Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed," the MEA said.
India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) an important regional organisation to promote cooperation in peace, security, trade, economy, and culture.
India and Pakistan – which were enjoying 'observer' status to the SCO since 2005 – were on June 9, 2017, granted admission into the body founded largely on China's initiative in 2001.
The founding members of the SCO are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
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