- Afia Ambreen
Recently, US President Donald Trump, in his policy speech on Afghanistan, alleged Pakistan for supporting what he called “agents of chaos, violence and terrorism”. Trump’s speech was perceived by many, including the government and parliament, as a direct threat to the Pakistan’s sovereignty. Both houses of parliament urged the government to consider counter measures, including suspending the crucial supply route for the US forces in Afghanistan. The strong reaction both at the government and public level appears to have prompted the US to address Pakistan’s concerns. Angered by the US policy review on South Asia, Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa also told US ambassador that Pakistan does not want any financial assistance from US but trust and acknowledgement of the country’s sacrifices in war against terrorism. China and Russia have assured Pakistan at the diplomatic level that they would veto any US move in the United Nations to slap economic sanctions on Islamabad over alleged failure to eliminate terror safe havens. Moreover, a number of political and religious parties and groups presented a joint letter to the US consulate in Karachi condemning the statement of President Donald Trump. The letter of condemnation was meant to register the nation’s protest, anger and disappointment over the anti-Pakistan narrative of US President Donald Trump. A statement issued by the Foreign Office on President Trump’s policy review said that Pakistan has taken note of the President’s statement outlining elements of a new US policy on Afghanistan and South Asia.
- All leading nations in the world including USA still want Pakistan to ‘do more’ in the war against terror without even appreciating its efforts. No other country in the whole world has contributed so much in the war against terror as Pakistan has done and still is doing then why US is still putting pressure on Pakistan to ‘do more’?
On the other hand, statements of various US senators who visited operational areas of Pakistan this year are contradictory to US latest shift in stance. Senator John McCain said, ” My Colleagues from United States Senate; I have had a very informative and important visit, understanding the challenges and successes, and the remaining challenges that require close coordination and assistance from us and with us. We have talked about many issues including the importance of Pak-Afghan cooperation and relationship on the border and we are confident that with the regional cooperation and the right strategy we can see success here in this very long struggle.” Senator Lindsey Olin Graham said, “One of the great success stories in the last few years is the Pakistan Army’s efforts to change the FATA for the better. I cannot stress how impressed I am with what has happened in the last two years. It speaks well of Pakistan Army and people in this region and there’s no turning back now that they have rejected terrorism and it’s upto us working together to make sure that terrorism stays out of this area.” Senator Elizabeth Warren stated that we have learned about how Pakistan is on the frontline of fighting terrorism and how important it is to have a strong partnership with Pakistan in this fight. That the only way we will succeed. And Senator Sheldon said that it never crossed my mind that I’ll be visiting South Waziristan, let alone a peaceful South Waziristan, so my congratulations to the Pakistani military.
For more than a decade and a half, since the start of the US-led war in Afghanistan, the US has viewed relations with Pakistan through an Afghan prism. Whether money has flowed to Pakistan or assistance has been sought of it, much of what the US has done has been linked to its quest to defeat the Afghan Taliban or degrade their strength. It is mentionable that US is speaking India’s language. Indian RAW has well-established its network in Afghanistan, and with the tactical assistance of anti-Pakistan secret agencies, it is fully backing cross-border incursions including terror-activities in Balochistan and other regions of Pakistan. However, for improving ties with Pakistan, US must abandon its double standard, as it prefers India at the cost of Pakistan which has a key to stability in the region. Furthermore, the military action during the last 17 years has not brought peace to Afghanistan, and it is not likely to do so in the future. Only an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned politically negotiated solution can lead to sustainable peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan is committed to working with the international community towards the common objective of defeating the forces of terrorism and to promote peace and stability in the South Asian region.
In the Global War on Terror, Pakistan is the country that has paid the biggest price so far as compared to any other nation in the world. However, unfortunately, the contribution and sacrifices of Pakistan yet to be acknowledge by international community. All leading nations in the world including USA still want Pakistan to ‘do more’ in the war against terror without even appreciating its efforts. No other country in the whole world has contributed so much in the war against terror as Pakistan has done and still is doing then why US is still putting pressure on Pakistan to ‘do more’?
