Karzai cautions Kabul against sliding under 'Pak's thumb'

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has warned that the nation's historic struggles against British imperialism and Soviet invasion would go in vain if it succumbed to pressure from neighbouring Pakistan, a report said.

Karzai remarks comes as current President Ashraf Ghani seeks to overhaul Afghanistan's traditionally hostile relationship with Pakistan in the hope of enlisting its support in brokering a peace deal with the Taliban, reported the Dawn.

The numerous "once-unthinkable concessions" made to Pakistan have "horrified" Karzai and his supporters, the report said.

The former president said, "We want a friendly relationship but not to be under Pakistan's thumb."

Rejecting suggestions that he was at the centre of what was being dubbed as an emerging "pocket of opposition" to Ghani, Karzai admitted that he had differences but added that he will not say anything.