On a visit, not a mission
Zardari’s US visit, particularly his iftar dinner with Vice President Joe Biden, has given birth to speculation about his seeking US support for the continuation of democracy in Pakistan. Conjectures of the sort gain currency only when the system happens to be fragile. The uncertainties about the future of democracy in Pakistan have arisen partly on account of the mishandling of important issues by the leadership of the ruling PML-N and partly because of Imran Khan’s political adventurism. While the government’s relations with the army are less than cordial, the PTI and PAT are also out to confront it. This has led people to question whether the government is likely to complete its tenure despite the majority it enjoys in the National Assembly. The best way to strengthen the system is for both the government and opposition to avoid unnecessary confrontation, display flexibility and work together for the greater good.
The Pak-US relations which had hit the nadir are on way to gradual improvement. There are however a number of hurdles in the way that need to be taken care of. Despite Pakistan’s claim that its army is conducting the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb without cherry picking, the ISAF chief in Afghanistan remains unconvinced. According to Gen Duford, Pakistan army had spared the Haqqani network and others who launch attacks on the ISAF and Afghan troops. The lack of understanding between Washington and Islamabad has led the US to revive the done strikes which have already killed a number of Al Qaeda leaders in North Waziristan.
A five-member defence delegation from Pakistan, which recently visited the US, reportedly sought the continuation of support funds even after the US’ withdrawal from Afghanistan. It also wanted Washington to re-evaluate its plan to withdraw all American troops from the country by the end of 2016. The demands are quite reasonable but in a world where quid pro quo is the standard operating procedure, Islamabad may find it difficult to get its demands accepted without removing the US reservations.