The events of the over three months appear to have made a big change in our relationship with the US. Many Pakistanis feel that we stand to lose much in the confrontation, but to some patriots it is a blessing in disguise. After all how long are we going to be victims of bullying and carrots and stick policy by our so-called partner in counter-terrorism?
In fact, the US has long time ago formed an alliance with the UK. Recently, when tit for tat, US FBI got hold of Dr Fai of the KAC, the British were also quick to follow the action by nabbing Justice Foundation in UK on similar charges; lobbying for the ISI (which even if true is not a crime). The British did a big harm to the Kashmiris by siding with India soon after the partition. To top it all the well-known and the oldest UN Resolution # 262 regarding the Right for Self Determination is not only being ignored by UK and USA, but they are also doing their bit to nab all those democratic leaders who are only asking for its implementation.
You can expect this and much more from the West led by the USA who otherwise are the champions of human rights and freedom of speech. But, unfortunately these powers do not have any norms and principles to follow when it comes to a Muslim country.
Most of our present leaders in Pakistan lack faith in God. They have accepted US as their master and benefactor. This mindset needs to be changed. It is so evident that the recent and past events reflect upon our lack of understanding of their malafide and coordinated actions to squeeze Pakistan. I wish that like most of the Pakistanis, the leaders also show moral courage to say no to the unjust demands of USA. They want to ecumenically destabilise us. They are not paying the CSF amounts already spent by us.
This is a good opportunity for Pakistan to tell the US operatives to leave in toto. I hope Mr Haqqani will not entertain the issue of visas to any future CIA official without prior clearance/scrutiny. No need for any USA operatives/trainers, etc who will not help but harm us. We must realise that at this critical juncture, the NATO/US need us much more than we think. If we stop the land route and tell them to vacate Shamsi Air Base as they have not paid huge pending CSF amounts, they would come to know of our importance. The safe exit of NATO/US troops from Afghanistan largely depends on our cooperation. And for sure they all know it very well.
RASHID MAQSOOD
Lahore