Apparently the message delivered by Centcom Chief Gen Mattis to CJCSC Gen Wyne was unhelpful. This led the army top brass to hold an extraordinary meeting to work out Pakistan’s military options in case of any adventure by the US. To maintain ambivalence, there was no official ISPR handout but some of the matters discussed were discreetly leaked out through an unnamed security official. It was let out that Pakistani armed forces were committed to achieving peace in the region but this could be possible only through mutual trust and cooperation. It was also clear that the army is not willing to act against the Haqqani network under US pressure. Meanwhile, PM Gilani has directed Foreign Minister Khar to return soon after delivering her speech at the General Assembly. He has also contacted political leaders to hold an APC over the issue. The army chief’s visit to the UK has also been cancelled.
The blame game from one side matched by rhetoric from the other has gone on for too long. On Sunday speaking to Fox News, Sen Lindsay Graham made observations that are likely to add fuel to the fire. Addressing a large public rally in Gujranwala, Imran Khan thundered, “We will fight back.” Being a superpower, the US can hurt Pakistan through economic and military measures. It can stop all aid and signal its displeasure to the IMF and ADB thus making it difficult for Pakistan to raise loans. It can escalate air attacks in North Waziristan or launch another Abbottabad type operation or go to the unimaginable extreme of initiating a ground offensive. But will these measures help Washington win the war in Afghanistan? Pakistan may have fewer options like refusing cooperation in the war on terror and blocking the Nato supplies but these too would hurt.
Taking things to the extreme would however be damaging for both sides. Any possible economic sanctions or casualties on the part of Pakistan military during resistance to US attacks would irreparably damage Pak-US relations, undermine US efforts to fight terrorism and strengthen the hands of extremists all over the Muslim world. Pakistan too needs to ask itself if it can afford to add a super power to its already formidable list of enemies.
The only sane option for both sides is to step back from the brink. They should urgently resume negotiations aimed at reviving mutual trust and confidence.