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| Ashraf Ghani (Image: Wiki Commons) |
Speaking at the Heart of Asia Conference in India this week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani sharply criticized Pakistan's role in abetting terror in the region, alleging that without Pakistani state support, the Taliban "wouldn't survive beyond a month".
Following this speech he had an exclusive interview with the Hindu newspaper, and spoke of his frustration with Pakistan, friendship with India and hopes for the region.
Asked why he singled out Pakistan at the conference, Ghani said: "I engaged Pakistan, I went there and not only visited with the civilian leadership but with the military leadership.
"I even went to their GHQ (military headquarters), because each country has their own distinct place for institutions.
"My message was that there was a window. It could be broadened to a door or a corridor, or it could shut. We did everything to ensure peace with Pakistan.
"2015 and 2016 have been extremely difficult years and the violence that has been inflicted on our people needs to be registered. To be quiet when people are dying is not acceptable. I am an elected political leader, I need to reflect my people's sentiment. Because the question of terrorism is not just a threat to us but to Pakistan and the Asian region, and hence the need for a public statement," he said.
Asked whether he thought the "window" of opportunity was indeed closed, he said Pakistan needs to open it. "We opened the window, now it's closed, so it's their turn to open it."
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