Trump’s Palestine plan slammed in Pakistan, Afghanistan

By Aamir Latif and Shadi Khan
KARACHI, Pakistan/KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to end the Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn flak in Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan.
Even as the announcement came too late in the night, social media was taken by storm in Afghanistan, with people criticizing the move.
Palestine Foundation Pakistan (PFP), an umbrella of several political and religious parties, described Trump’s announcement in an attempt to hide his successive defeats in the region.
In a statement, issued by the PFP Secretary-General, Sabir Kurbalai, said that the people of Pakistan unanimously reject Trump's plan as Israel is an "occupational force", and its status could not be changed through any coercive plan.
Announcing unwavering support to the Palestinians, Karbalai said that Jerusalem will remain the eternal capital of Palestine.
Asadullah Bhutto, a former parliamentarian, and deputy chief of Jamat-e-Islami- the country's one of the mainstream religious party dubbed Trump's move as " ridiculous", warning that it would further destabilize the region.
" Trump's impracticable plan has doomed the already dim chances for peace in the Middle East," Bhutto told Anadolu Agency vowing that Pakistanis would continue to support the Palestinian cause.
Abdul Basit, a former ambassador described the controversial plan as a "bizarre" move.
"Trump facing impeachment and Netanyahu corruption indictment are presenting most bizarrely the so-called Palestinian peace plan that is a recipe for more violence and turmoil in the region", said Basit, who served as Pakistan's High Commission to India.

-Afghanistan angry
In Afghanistan analysts also warned that Trump’s plan will further create instability in the region and in the larger Muslim world.
Talking to Anadolu Agency, retired Brig. Ali Khail said the U.S instead of making peace will invite more public anger in the war-ravaged country.
“General public sentiments towards the Americans are going to get very negative. Millions of Afghans regardless of the sectarian divide of Sunnis and Shiites hold a special place in their hearts for oppressed Palestinian brothers and sisters,” he said. Analysts believe the public anger in Afghanistan may get directed at the estimated 14000 American troops and officials in Afghanistan.