Salman Akram Raja Criticizes Reaction to Trump’s Praise, Stresses Pakistan Must Make Its Own Decisions

Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Salman Akram Raja, has criticized the reactions to former US President Donald Trump’s praise of Pakistan, calling it childish. He stated that there was never any reason to be happy about Trump’s arrival or his recent praise, emphasizing that such reactions are immature.

In a conversation during a private TV program, he explained that international relations are based on mutual interests, not friendship. He further clarified that the CIA had identified an individual, and Pakistan captured and handed him over, which led to Trump’s expression of gratitude. However, he rejected the idea that the PTI had ever seriously believed that Trump’s arrival would lead to the release of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.

Salman Akram Raja asserted that PTI’s policy was never aligned with the idea that Trump’s involvement would resolve political issues. He added that while there might have been a certain degree of hostility between the previous government and the PTI, it was never about expecting external intervention.

Addressing the current unrest in the country, he pointed out that people feel their voices have been silenced, and their rights taken away. He emphasized that Pakistan should not continue to follow external orders, like those from the CIA, and that it must take charge of its own future. He made it clear that Pakistan’s decisions will not be made by President Trump but by the people of Pakistan.