An inevitable denial

Why must our leaders court embarrassment?

Despite a desire on the part of Pakistan and the US to improve ties, there are major unresolved issues that continue to stall progress. There is no end to drone attacks, three having been launched since Mian Nawaz Sharif’s assumption of office. Islamabad’s overtures for a civil nuclear agreement have been ignored over the years by Washington. The proposed US aid for this year has almost been halved. The military aid has also gone down to $397 million from over $1.2bn in 2010. On its part, the US resents Pakistan importing gas from Iran while failing to launch a military operation in North Waziristan. Even before the PML-N’s electoral victory the relations between the two countries were marked by mutual doubts and suspicions. In their campaign rhetoric the PML-N leaders disowned the fight against militancy and called for talks with the TTP. This led the American media to conclude that Pakistan was going to have government hostile to the US. Mian Nawaz Sharif has tried to undo the perception after coming to power. How long it takes to remove the lack of trust remains to be seen. As things stand no firm date has been announced for the long awaited visit by the US Secretary of State, which could have indicated a thaw in the relations. Both the countries however need each other’s help. The NATO military equipment has to pass through Pakistan. In case of US retaining bases in Afghanistan after 2014, these will have to be serviced through Karachi port. Being a super power Washington needs to maintain a level of influence on Pakistan. These factors explain why the US continues to be helpful in vital spheres that include power where Pakistan badly needs support. Pakistan also needs the US goodwill to seek IMF loans and a privileged entry in the US market.

Washington views India as a large market for its goods. What is more it wants to help India emerge as a regional rival to the already risen China. Unlike Pakistan which continues to carry a begging bowl, India is seen as a big buyer that helps maintain jobs in US. Pakistan’s reputation for nuclear safeguards was sullied by Dr A.Q. Khan’s activities. This explains why Islamabad’s request for a civil nuclear deal similar to the one with India was turned down in 2008.

It was understandable on the part of Ishaq Dar to have taken up the issue of Pakistan’s power shortage with US OPIC President, Elizabeth Little. Knowing the US reservations regarding a civil nuclear power agreement, it would have been undiplomatic even to refer to the issue in the meeting without prior mutual understanding. To claim after the meeting that Pakistan and the US had agreed in principle to continue dialogue on cooperation in civil nuclear technology was inviting trouble. This came within hours of Ishaq Dar’s unfortunate remark. A state department spokesman clarified that there had been “no discussion of civilian nuclear technology” with Pakistan. Would our leaders spare the country embarrassments of the sort?