The joint trip by Prime Minister Gilani, COAS Kayani and DG ISI Pasha was needed to dispel a growing perception at home and abroad that the civil and military establishments were not on the same page on a number of security related issues vital to win the war on terror. Further, that the military had the final say on these issue when it came to the crunch. An annoyed Washington resorted to enhanced drone attacks and sent hundreds of CIA undercover agents to operate from inside the country. This led to the killing of more innocent people which was widely deplored in Pakistan. PAK-US relations, thus, deteriorated further. This was damaging to both sides though more so to Pakistan. Recently, some of the US legislators have issued highly deplorable statements while the mood of the US media can be judged from the Wall Street Journal which has demanded that Washington deliver Islamabad a message similar to the one sent after 9/11.
Despite suspicions and apprehensions that need to be further curtailed, Islamabad and Kabul have inched towards confidence building over the last one year. Both have worked together to evolve joint approaches to the Taliban. With Islamabad finally agreeing to support a political office for the Taliban in Turkey, the two countries have managed to further reduce mutual suspicions. Meanwhile a statement by Secretary Clinton on Friday indicates the US too is finally agreeable to the idea of talks with the Taliban. Thus, there are growing prospects of Pakistan and Afghanistan jointly pressing on the Taliban to agree to a regional solution to peace supported by the US. This suits all the four stake holders i.e. Pakistan, Afghanistan, US and Taliban.
What is crucial in days to come is a full understanding between the civilian and military establishments on policies related to Afghanistan, and various terrorist groups. What is more, the FO under the guidance of the elected government should be given the sole responsibility to formulate policies on the entire gamut of foreign relations including those connected to Kashmir and India. Supremacy of the elected government alone can create confidence in the system.
