This is with reference to lead news: “No routes for Nato beyond 2014”. If this news is for people’s consumption then it is alright but if it is a policy decision it lacks vision. Nato’s mission shall cease to exist beyond 2014, a deadline set by US for the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan. It is also true that Pakistan is reluctant to allow US its route for indefinite period, but at the same time supply shall continue to move in to Afghanistan for the skeleton troops of US once Nato troops pull out in 2014 as declared by the US.
During closure of supply route since Nov 2011, the US has been using alternative route but with extra cost. Our decision was based on ground realities as we could not afford to annoy 45 countries of the world. Pakistan is at the middle of crossroads and has to adopt a policy to safe guard her own interests. Pakistan must seek guarantees from Washington for the threats to Pakistani interests after the withdrawal of Nato forces from Afghanistan in 2014 and use threatening posture as it will not help us at all. Although US has time again confirmed that it stand committed to the future of Afghanistan and Pakistan but these commitments should be documented to avoid last minute confusion.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi
