Elections will be a milestone for Pakistan: US intelligence agencies

US intelligence agencies have apprised the Congress that the coming general elections will be a milestone for Pakistan and must be held by May 2013.

In a report sent to Congress, Director of US National Intelligence James R Clapper also noted that “Islamabad is intently focused on Afghanistan” in anticipation of the withdrawal of American and NATO forces.

The report has stated that the Pakistani government has attempted to improve relations with Kabul since late last year.

“Economically, trouble looms Pakistan, with its small tax base, poor system of tax collection, and reliance on foreign aid, faces no real prospects for sustainable economic growth,” the report warns.

“The government has been unwilling to address economic problems that continue to constrain economic growth. The government has made no real effort to persuade its disparate coalition members to accept much-needed policy and tax reforms, because members are focused on retaining their seats in upcoming elections.”

Assessing India-Pakistan ties, US intelligence officials informed Congress that both countries had made calculated decisions to improve ties, despite deep-rooted mistrust.

They held a series of meetings in the past year and would probably continue to achieve incremental progress on economic relations, such as trade.

Serious discussion on the more contentious issues of territorial disputes and terrorism, however, were deferred.