Pakistan and India both know talks are the way forward
During her one-day visit, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, her counterpart Sartaj Aziz and COAS Raheel Sharif. The visit having been planned in advance had nothing to do with the current tension between India and Pakistan. The US has already made it position clear on the issue maintaining that the two countries need to remain engaged with one another. The border tension being an important issue for Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that the country wanted to hold a meaningful and objective dialogue on all outstanding issues with India.
Rice reportedly expressed US concerns over attacks inside Afghanistan allegedly launched by the militants based in Pakistan. Despite Islamabad maintaining that there was no cherry-picking on its part during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, its position has failed to satisfy the doubters. Media reports have suggested that the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) could be held back if the US determines Pakistan is not doing enough to combat the Haqqani Network, which has launched some of the deadliest attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan. With the funding drying up it may become difficult for Pakistan to sustain the Zarb-e-Azb. Even after the army has concluded its mission in NWA, it remains committed to continuing the operation till the elimination of the last terrorist. This would require more funds in the years to come. The question is whether Islamabad can convince the US that it is not sparing any terrorist group while conducting the ongoing operation.
It would be unrealistic to harbour expectations regarding the US role in Indo-Pak relations. Even Pakistan’s Muslim allies and the OIC have failed to put their weight behind Pakistan in the present conflict with India. The government cannot keep its eyes shut for long to the ongoing killings in the villages along the border with India. Counter attacks promised by Khawaja Asif would lead to reprisals instead of bringing peace. Both India and Pakistan have to realise that the only way to bring an end to human misery on both sides of the border is to hold talks.
