ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
Tensions in Pak-USA bilateral relations are rising with every passing moment and whoever might be at fault its net effect would not be good for the regional peace . Latest development on this account is the sudden surfacing of media reports about shifting of highly controversial convicted prisoner Dr Shakeel Afridi from a Peshawar prison to some safer location under mysterious environment . Name of Shakeel Afridi alone is enough to add mystery in any event but the facts claimed in report regarding CIA plan to arrange forceful release of their agent with the help of local extremist elements is more disturbing . No need to elaborate the criminal role of Shakeel Afridi in dubious OBL episode which brought sheer embarrassment for Pakistan as the doctor played a game for the CIA and undoubtedly law of land has no space for such beyond the border loyalties . His connections with terrorist groups and paid espionage services for a foreign secret service earned him a punishment for 3 decades which was later reduced to approximately 23 years . American affection for Shakeel is not a hidden secret and it kept oozing out from the conversations of top tier representatives with out any sign of regret or shame . That’s how the major powers treat the subject countries once the leadership decline to protest in required manner even the once the borders are violated by physically stepping with military boots on Abbotabad’s soil . Our leadership responded in a highly undesirable non serious manner at OBL episode . Outcome is right here in the shape of a conspiracy to release their spy through a jail break . Though , unearthing of conspiracy is a bit soothing step but too small to dissolve the extreme bitterness related to this whole issue . point to ponder here is that why a country like USA , which happened to be a close ally , had started dealing Pakistan in such an obvious disgraceful manner . Why have that taken us for granted in every matter ? Our disgrace in Reymond Davis controversy has not yet diminished from memories . Recently , American military attaché mercilessly crushed a youngster under his vehicle in Islamabad and Police had no clue how to deal with him .Now , we are listening that CIA is hatching a plan in collaboration with terrorists for release of a criminal like Shakeel through prison break . Are we a state with no law , no respect and no authority ? Question rightly arises on the dubious response of official quarters who had no guts to protest with USA . Undoubtedly , government has failed in representing the public sentiments over American highhandedness in Pakistan . Meaningful silence and willful cold shoulder response speaks volumes about the compromised state of our official quarters . Bilateral relations must not be maintained at the cost of national honor . Pakistan can easily survive with out American backing and shameful aid. Probably , it is the bunch of our rulers and parasites in bearuucracy which constantly require the foreign monetary injections to fulfill their never ending appetite . For them , nothing matters but the personal interest . Relocation of a high profile spy like Shakeel due to s ome potent foreign threats is not a simple matter . This episode clearly reflects that USA can not be trusted like a normal partner in state affairs . CIA had hot and active connections with terrorist elements operating in Pakistan with roots in Afghanistan being watered by RAW and NDS . This whole setting is deadly dangerous for Pakistan which can neither afford a negligent stance in diplomatic field nor can lower the guards on the battle front . One can really understand that active presence of enemy’s clandestine wing deep in terror ridden zone is nothing but an indirect act of war . Our rulers should realize that Pakistan is fighting a war at many fronts and there has to be a positive contribution from all quarters while having the political leadership in lead . Speaking in conferences and public rallies will not suffice any more . Shakeel Afridi episode clearly points out that CIA is active against Pakistan’s vital interests and what else could be more value or interest other than our Nuclear assets . It is time to be more vigilant on all vulnerable fronts .
