ISLAMABAD May 31: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan has criticized US President George W. Bush’s statement, pressurizing Pakistan to stop supporting the Kashmir freedom struggle.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Imran Khan said if supporting freedom struggle was terrorism then the US could easily be termed as the biggest sponsor of terrorism for its decade long support to the Afghans against the Soviet occupation.

The PTI chief said recent spate of visits and statements by western leaders should serve as an eye-opener for all those who were under the misconception that siding with the US in its war on terrorism would protect Pakistan’s strategic interests.

It is now clear, he said, after attaining its immediate objectives in Afghanistan, the US was now reverting to its original strategy of using India to force Pakistan into making compromises.

He said: “My party has been stressing eversince the September 11 attacks that Pakistan must guard its vital interests without relying on any foreign country as they have consistently deceived Pakistan in its hour of crisis.”

The Indian military belligerency, he said, was also a by- product of the US-led aggression in the region.

He also condemned the statements of Benazir Bhutto whose recent remarks were solely directed to undermine Pakistan’s interest only to seek the blessings of her foreign masters in her quest for power.