Working as one unit seems impossible for this government
The mistrust between Pakistan and US created by a number of developments in 2011 continues to persist. The security vacuum created by the exit of foreign troops from Afghanistan by next month would pose a serious challenge to Pakistan, all the more so when its relations with Kabul are also mired by accusations of support to militant groups which attack Afghanistan.
The developments after the change of command in the army and the initiation of Operation Zarb-e-Azb created an atmosphere which makes it possible to improve relations with US and Afghanistan. The visits by President Mamoon Hussain, COAS Raheel Sharif and National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz to Kabul and the subsequent briefing given to the new Afghan President at the GHQ were aimed at removing the misunderstandings.
The relations between the armies of Pakistan and US need to be improved to deal with the challenge ahead. The task however is not easy as is proved by the recently published Pentagon Report which again accuses Pakistan of using “proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India’s superior military”. Currently COAS Sharif is in the US on a mission to build the bridges. In Tampa, Gen Sharif assured the Americans that the operation was targeting all militant groups, including the Haqqani Network as Pakistan believed terrorism threatened the very existence of the country.
The views ascribed to Sartaj Aziz by the BBC Urdu contradict the stand taken by Gen Sharif. Speaking about the Haqqani Network, Aziz reportedly asked, “Why should America’s enemies unnecessarily become our enemies?” He said Pakistan need not take action against groups that were not dangerous for it. The stand raises a number of questions. How can a responsible state look the other way as terrorists, claiming to be loyal to Pakistan, use its territory to attack other countries? If the logic is accepted why should Kabul act against Fazlullah who does not attack Afghans? Despite the explanation offered by the FO, the formulation made by Aziz remains highly objectionable.