By
Aurangzeb Alamgir
Last week, US secretary of state
Michael Richard Pompeo telephoned PM Imran Khan and discussed various matters
regarding regional security. A
difference between US State department and Pakistani MOFA has noted over the
points which were discussed between the two leaders. According to US State
department Pompeo raised the importance of Pakistan taking “decisive action”
against terrorist operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the
Afghan peace process.
While on the other hand, Pakistani foreign
office has refuted the statements of US State department. MOFA’s spokesperson tweeted that “Pakistan
takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issue by US State Dept on
today’s phone call between PM Khan & Sec Pompeo. There was no mention at all in the
conversation about operating in Pakistan. This should be immediately
corrected”. After the contradictory statements on both sides it is crystal
clear that callous differences exist between Islamabad and Washington DC in the
realm of regional security especially on the situation in Afghanistan. America
is chanting do more against terrorist groups’ again and again.
While Pakistan’s point of view is contrary,
there are no safe havens in Pakistan. It is fact that today Pakistan and
America are not at one page and Pakistan is looking towards other states for
cooperation. There is no doubt that The
Trump administration’s harsh policy and coercive actions have brought Pakistan
close to Russia and Iran. It already
enjoys cordial relations and strategic partnership with China which many
believe is the real bone of contention in the Pak-US relations.
Evidently, Restoration of peace in
Afghanistan has always figured out as the major cause in the bilateral
relationship of both countries. On this issue there exists distrust and
misperception between US and Pakistan. US blames Pakistan for the continuation
of militancy in Afghanistan whereas Pakistan feels that it is because lack of will at Kabul and Washington
which allows continuation of infighting between Taliban and Afghanistan
forces. Pakistan put in its best efforts
to make things better.
It provided the NATO and easy access to
Afghanistan. It played a major role in
curbing the menace of terrorism. It
started Zarb-e-Azb to eradicate terrorism.
And it took action against a number of terrorist organizations but was
never appreciated. Now President Trump is overflowing with anti-Pakistan
rhetoric. He has accused Pakistan of
providing safe havens to terrorists Pakistan responded to this by saying
that it had done a lot to eradicate terrorism.
America went on repeating the “do more” mantra. Pakistan is now assertive enough to reply to
such allegations.
If we critically analyse the situation
it is a bitter fact for America that if needs Pakistan since no one else could
pull them out of the Afghan quagmire. As
along as the US keeps watching Pakistan through an Indian lens, Pak-US
bilateral relations are less likely to improve. The Trump administrative needs
to come out of the influence of the
Indian lobby at Washington DC and stop asking Pakistan to do more as it has
already done more than enough. It has lost
$127 billion in economy and 80 thousand lives. In return, it was accused of
deceit and harbouring terrorists.
Basically, America wants to maintain its
influence on Pakistan, and to keep it in camp. It is not wrong to say that
Pakistan is moving a way for America and has developed amicable relations with
china and Russia. The priorities of
Pakistan are changing because of CPEC.
Other than this history has proved that America never felt reluctant
with adopting any measures in order to achieve its goals. It seems as if American policy towards
Pakistan is one of brinkmanship. This is perceived after analyzing the rhetoric
and belligerent statements coming from America.
America sees Pakistan through the prism of Afghanistan.
Pakistan and US are old allies though
relations between the two countries have never been so ideal and there have
been ups and down every now and then.
But still both countries are pulling along more or less in a friendly
manner and continue making efforts for further improvement of the lies for which there is a lot of room. In a nutshell Pakistan has done a lot in
order to bring peace in the region.
Owing to its efforts, the menace of terrorism has been eradicated in
many areas. America must realize that
results cannot be achieved overnight.
America
must think before it speaks; otherwise one major ally can join the opposite
camp. There is no doubt the Patience and
perseverance is the keys to success. And
it is the dire need of time that America must realize this truth before visualizing
a better future. Indeed, Pak-US relation
is a complicated issue, as two countries with divergent interests need to find
common ground to safeguard their interests.
Cooperation is more productive than confrontation, engagement if more
beneficial than disengagement and inclusiveness is better exclusiveness.
