Nawaz Sharif needs to man up
Despite thrice being the prime minister, Nawaz Sharif has yet to realise that when it comes to dealing with the US there are no free lunches. During his Washington visit Sharif wanted his concerns about drone strikes to be taken seriously, sought the release of more than $1.6 billion in military and economic aid, greater trade access to the US market and resumption of the stalled strategic dialogue. The drone strikes were reduced and there was an indication that during talks with the Talban they would remain suspended. The US promised to release the military and economic aid citing the opening of the NATO supplies route as a sign of improvement of relations. Sharif meanwhile conveniently forgot that there is always a quid pro quo in inter-state dealings. President Obama wanted the release of Shakil Afridi and expected the trial of Mumbai suspects to start soon and action taken against JuD. While none of the US demands were conceded, the transport of NATO goods through Torkhum was forcibly stopped by the PTI. The federal government which under the constitution enjoys control over the national highways did nothing to get the route opened. US Secretary of State Chuck Hagel’s warning that unless the route was opened it could be difficult to maintain political support for the aid programme was ignored.
A newspaper report tells that a new bill, already approved by the House and having the support of the White House, is under process and if passed would put fiscal squeeze on Pakistan in case GLOCS continue to be blocked. The US National Defense Authorization Bill of 2014 also seeks a certification from the US defense secretary that Pakistan is taking demonstrable actions against Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other militant extremist groups such as the Haqqani Network.
The bill comes at a time when the finance minister is anxiously waiting for $1.6 billion from the US to help stabilise the rupee and achieve the budget targets. The freeze on the aid would have a negative impact on the economy. The issue of opening the GLOCS should have been resolved by now through talks with Imran Khan and the KP government. The problem lies with a strong lobby in the PML-N which shares the views of the anti-US extremists. Ch Nisar who said last month that it was time we chose between dollars and honour, was the last person to have been entrusted the task of seeking the reopening of GLOCS. Sharif will have to blame himself if relations with the US deteriorated.
