Two important government functionaries are in Washington at the same time on different assignments. The ISI chief is on a mission to resolve misunderstandings with the CIA. The Finance Ministers visit is aimed at seeking another bailout package from the IMF. It is widely understood that the relations with the US play a significant role in dealings with the IFIs.
The cooperation between the ISI and CIA against Al-Qaeda and Taliban, already marred by mutual suspicions, hit a new low after Raymond Daviss arrest for killing two Pakistanis. While the incident caused countrywide indignation, it also brought to light the fact that scores of US undercover agents were operating freely inside the country. The ISI was particularly piqued because this raised questions about its efficiency. Further, this revealed that the CIA was no more relying on the ISI in its campaign against the terrorists inside Pakistan. The March 17 drone attack which elicited a strongly worded condemnation from Gen Kayani further jolted the relations between the two security agencies. Pakistan and US need to cooperate in rooting out terrorism and bringing peace to Afghanistan. Washington has to realize, however, that it cannot afford to ignore Islamabads concerns about drone attacks and foreign intelligence contractors let loose in the country. The talks should lead to the revival of cooperation while spelling out a well-defined red line that must not be crossed.
Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh is seeking a new bailout from IMF which would entail new benchmarks. The government had earlier failed to implement important components of the economic reforms agenda prescribed by the IMF. This happened partly because of a lack of consensus between and within individual political parties. There was also a lack of political will in the government to cut down non-productive expenses. The Finance Minister hopes to convince the IMF that his government would implement the benchmarks this time. There is an urgent need on the part of the government and the mainstream opposition to formulate a consensus on major economic policies to ensure their continuity over years to come.
