This is with reference to a news item that appeared in your esteemed paper (24 Jan) saying that Pakistan army has rejected the enquiry report conducted by US on NATO attack on Salala checkpost on 26 November 2011 in which 24 soldiers including officers were killed.
How can the US fix partial responsibility on Pakistanis who were guarding the interest of the US in war on terror? In fact, it was an attack on our sovereignty, you don not treat your close ally like this who is sacrificing their lives being part of the war.
Pakistan has suffered a great deal in men and material. Our highways have been destroyed causing Rs 50 billion loss to this poor nation. How can US deny the SOP’s established between the two countries about conduct of operations? How can it be termed as partial retaliation when our troops never opened fire? It was a deliberate attack that lasted for over two hours causing loss of precious lives. No amount of compensation can substitute this wanton killing.
The US in the past has been carrying out drone attacks killing innocent people and attacking our known posts and our response remained restricted to protests. How can a highly trained army and equipped with the latest art of technology could misjudge when the grid bearings are available with them? This is all the more serious offence when the US has been fed with complete information about the deployment of Pakistani troops in this theatre of operation.
The nation is fully behind the armed forces of Pakistan on such vital issues. It is opposed to the opening of the NATO supply route until and unless clear cut apology is tendered. It is true that the US is a superpower but that does not entitle her to attack the sovereignty of an independent state and kill those very soldiers who were guarding their interest. The US’ attitude, now and before, simply reflects her mindset that they can do anything they want irrespective of the consequences but this cannot go on for a long period.
The Pakistan government has sent strong signals by closing Shamsi base, closure of NATO supply route and boycotting Bonn Conference. It means that it wants to be taken seriously and the US should review its policy towards Pakistan.
The US should not forget that Pakistan since joining the US camp has suffered badly. We want relations with all peace loving states, including the US, but on equal footing guaranteeing that no such activity takes place in the future.
The US certainly needs to improve its image in Pakistan and for that the US government will have to extend respect, reverence and dignity for the people of Pakistan and respect its sovereignty.
LT COL (R) MUKHTAR AHMED BUTT
Karachi
