ISLAMABAD: Calling for a UN-sanctioned prescription to resolve the Syrian crisis, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed America’s one-sided move to attack the country.
Condemning US President Barack Obama’s decision against Syria, Mr Khan said the allegation of use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime was being investigated by the UN inspectors and any action must be based on the report of these inspectors and according to the sanction of the UN Security Council.
“Unilateral military action against a sovereign member state of the UN is against the UN Charter and International Law and the powerful cannot be allowed to break these international norms with impunity,” said Mr Khan in a statement on Monday.
According to the PTI chief, President Obama’s decision to seek approval from the US Congress for a military action was an internal political issue of the country and not a source of “international legitimisation”.
“Even in that context, Secretary of State [John] Kerry’s declaration that congressional approval was not required was a reflection of militaristic policies displayed by the Obama administration during its previous and present tenure in office,” he said.
Mr Khan pointed out that Pakistan had suffered from this approach of the US in the shape of illegal drone attacks on Pakistani citizens.
“It is time to respect international law and collective security system as defined in Chapter VII of the UN Charter. This is the only way to protect the global community from intra-state and inter-state excesses and abuse,” he emphasised.
The government of Pakistan has supported a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in a policy statement made before the National Assembly on Friday said: “As the US is preparing for aerial strikes within Syria, Pakistan believes that it will make the situation more concerning.”
At the same time Pakistan opposed the use of chemical weapons by any country, he added.