ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
Recent unpleasant episode of release of a controversial press release from US foreign office regarding telephonic conversation between Pakistani PM and USA Secretary Mike Pompeo is a clear indicator of trust deficit in bi-lateral dealings . Pak foreign office promptly pointed out the fabricated part of the US’ official statement . Not to the surprise of many , the pointed out portion was all about maligning Pakistan in terrorism taking place in Afghanistan right under the nose of US and NATO forces. It will not be easy for the new government to deal with America which obviously seems in a mood to threaten and mold Pakistan .Hard fight against terrorism is not over yet for Pakistan but the ground situation is much stable as compared to the past, especially in FATA. These areas, in the past, remained at the mercy of militants of all brands without any writ of state on routine affairs. Though, militancy loomed on either sides of the Durand line but the maximum blame has been laid on Pakistan with no good intentions. In all reality, tackling the terrorism was a shared responsibility among the stake holders. Obviously, dominance of global or extra regional players over the local stake holders in peculiar Afghan dynamics has always been a complicated dimension of the issue. Disadvantages of this regional setting converted Pak role in a much complex job. Most demanding task of anti-terrorism drive proved costlier than our estimates in terms of human, economic and infra structural losses. Porous border with Afghanistan and tough mountainous terrain are both considered a nightmare for any army to operate against such militants who operate while being well merged in local environment. No practical support was ever extended to Pakistan in under taking this complex shared responsibility rather a hostile stance kept hardening on other side of the Durand line and it still remains a major irritant in regional affairs. On ground, Pakistan displayed historical resilience against terrorism and the whole nation stood tall in tough testing times. Losing more than sixty thousand lives is not an ignorable sacrifice! Battle for restoration of peace was fought against all internal and external odds with extra ordinary determination. Shadow of negativity extended by the sponsors of terrorists made this whole affair a nerve breaking campaign. Sailing through the rough waters was an uphill task and unfavorable regional scenario multiplied the challenges. Present winds of peace have been earned with sacrifices of precious human lives .Extra ordinary campaign against terrorism set a bench mark for the world and recognition to this effect keeps pouring in ears from representatives of various countries at international forums . Despite all the sincerity and well-intended sacrifices made by Pakistan, which are in the best collective interest of complete region, a venomous stance has been adopted by Afghanistan, USA and India which revolves around false allegations of cross border terror sponsoring. Most bitter side of the crisis is that no credit is being given to Pakistan for extra ordinary sacrifices made in war against terrorism . How one can set aside the biggest unconditional favor extended to Afghans by hosting more than 3 million refugees since last four decades . Only this one distinguished step brought multi-dimensional socio- economic and security problems for Pakistan . Uncompromising resolve against terrorism met the worst kind of retaliation from terrorist outfits which under took terrorist attacks all across the country at mosques , shrines , schools , religious gatherings , minority worship places and political gatherings . Heart wrenching attack on APS Peshawar was the vertex of terrorism in Pakistan. This inhuman act actually sent a clear message to the Armed forces of Pakistan that pinch of a rapid operation against terrorists has turned unbearable now. Nation faced this nerve breaking tragedy with extreme patience and all the pain was converted into unbeatable resolve against the terrorism. Unfortunately, most of the attacks were planned and controlled from Afghanistan including the one on APS Peshawar which took the lives of 149 innocent school kids. On one hand , as per the dictation of her masters Afghanistan kept criticizing Pakistan for sponsoring the terrorism, and on the other hand , all hard core terrorists enjoyed shelter , finances and easy infiltration in Pak territory with full support of Afghan officials . Inaction against terrorists on part of Afghan Unity government enabled them in responding against Pak forces . This whole activity on Afghan side was dubiously anti Pakistan as the escapee terrorists got a new life in Indian lap under the American umbrella . Joint stance from India , USA and Afghanistan to put Pakistan on mat with the help of fact twisting proved effective in spoiling our image as non availability of regular Foreign minister , in the past ,snatched every possible good left with us in diplomatic battle grounds .An efficient response is desperately needed from new government in the field of diplomacy . Dual standards of Trump administration stand more exposed as no support was ever extended in the costly border fencing project being under taken by Pakistan . Construction of 443 fortresses and 11136 posts along more than 1800 miles long border is not child’s play . It speaks volumes about Pak sincerity about terrorism and undeniably exposes the dual standards on part of USA which has isolated herself from Pakistan in the hour of need . Terrorism can never be defeated by twisting the reality against the most efficient supporter of peace like Pakistan . Media hype or propaganda campaigning can only succeed in spoiling the image but at the end of the day war would be fought on ground against the menace of terrorism and the weapon of verbosity or false allegations can only help in perpetuating the disaster . Pakistan should adopt a more cautious and vigilant stance while dealing with USA as the recent episode of controversial statement is enough to understand the itch of uncle Sam.
