British MP Bob Blackman has called upon Pakistan to dismantle terrorist bases, especially those in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and listen to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to improve its economy. He made these remarks in an interview with news agency ANI.
Responding to a query about the threat of terrorism from Pakistan and Afghanistan, Blackman said that those who foster or sponsor terrorism are fundamentally wrong and must be countered. He also expressed his personal view that it was a mistake to withdraw from Afghanistan in the way that the United States did, leading to the Taliban's takeover and the gradual extinguishing of women's rights.
“My personal view is that it was a mistake to withdraw from Afghanistan in the way we did. Obviously, the Americans made the key decision to withdraw their troops and it meant we had to follow, because we were not in a position to carry out the duties there by ourselves,” he said.
According to Blackman, Afghanistan and Pakistan are part and parcel of the illegal drug trade, which needs to be countered.
He stressed that Pakistan's economy is in a dire state and urged them to listen to the IMF's advice to bring it into shape, rather than appealing to the world for money and support. Blackman emphasized that Pakistan's first duty is to dismantle terrorist bases, especially those in illegally occupied parts of Kashmir, and restore peace.
“My message to them is that you need to listen to what the IMF is advising you to do. You bring your economy into shape. can’t go appealing to the world for money and support. You must put things right,” he said.
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“And, the first duty is to say, look, where you have got terrorist bases, particularly in illegally occupied part of Kashmir, have those terrorist bases dismantled and then restore peace,” he added.
Blackman has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East since 2010. He was a Greater London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow for four years, and he was also a Councillor for the Preston Ward in Brent for 24 years, serving as leader of the Brent Conservatives from 1990 to 2010. He condemned the violence against the Indian community in Leicester, UK, in September last year, and stated that the people responsible were dealt with appropriately by the police.
Regarding the issue of radicalization, Blackman stressed that the vast majority of Muslims in the UK are peaceful and peace-loving people who want to celebrate their religion and go about their lives. However, there is a small minority that wants to cause trouble, become terrorists, groom others, and encourage people to become radicalized, which needs to be countered very aptly. He pointed out that there is a small population of pro-Khalistan supporters who promote disorder in the UK, which also needs to be prevented.
Blackman also talked about the misuse of the internet and social media, which can lead to the radicalization of young people in their bedrooms. He emphasized the importance of countering hate preachers who wish to radicalize people and the need for different faith organizations to come together and speak if there are any concerns or tensions rather than resorting to demonstrations and causing trouble.
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Blackman represents Harrow, which has people from every religion, and he emphasized the importance of people living together in peace and harmony. He said that his constituency demonstrates that people can cooperate and that different faith organizations must come together and speak if there are any concerns or tensions.
