The current low in the Pak-US relationship is hardly a novelty as it is not for the first time and certainly not the last that we see such a spectacle where the adherents of the most civilised society, so to speak, act so childishly. This uniquely skewed relationship has seen more lows than highs as there is nothing much that it can stand upon. Viewed predominantly as a symbiotic relationship where Pakistan has been relying upon the US for its generous donations of funds, while the US has been consciously taking advantage of this monetary dependency as much as it could.
It all began with a full range of shared objectives that both the Pakistanis and American would work along in order to curb and control militancy, dismantle Al-Qaeda networks and reverse the Taliban momentum. Embarked upon this journey of the long war, Pakistan had gunned the pedal to launch military operations, one after the other, to clear this side of the fence while the US/allied forces tackled that in Afghanistan. Apparently, things were going smoothly until very recently when the US stance started to harden.
For the first time it has been seen that Pakistan has taken a firm stand and has stood its ground despite the mounting pressure of the international community. But what needs to be viewed in this background is that, whether Pakistan is ready for the repercussions of such a stand? What other alternatives has Pakistan considered in case the US plans to attack the NWA? What Pakistan needs to do is safeguard its own interest without entering into a sentimental debate and see how things at home can be improved. This can only be done with the one emotion that is required, that is, of being concerned about the state of affairs inside Pakistan. How anti-Americanism is radicalising the youth, how it becomes easier to join extremists when the state sleeps off, lack of basic amenities drives the population mad with frustration. Will someone wake up to realise what the chaotic policies of the state is doing to the Pakistan?
LUBNA UMAR
Rawalpindi
