ISLAMABAD: Former President and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari penned an article for an international magazine in which he hoped the United States continues to develop Pakistan’s economy and more cooperation between the two states in fighting against militancy in the country.
In his recent article in Forbes magazine, Zardari stated that US and Pakistan have jointly done well against extremists by dismantling Al-Qaeda’s network and rooted out extremists’ safe havens. However, he claimed that Pakistan had suffered huge economic losses as a result of directly fighting terrorists.
“These successes come at no small price. Pakistan has lost over 60,000 people, both civilian and military, as a direct result of offensives against terrorist networks. The economic cost to Pakistan is currently above $60 billion and continues to climb,” he writes.
He was quite critical of the Congress’ initiative to cut down reimbursements to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF), claiming that such measure coupled with Congress’ decision to block much-needed sales of F-16s to Pakistan have resulted in extremists are ‘slipping over the border’ to undermine the whole effort. Zardari also warned of the waning community partnerships which are crucial in beating militants.
“Pakistani civilians are war-weary and feel abandoned, their sacrifices undermined. This is perhaps the most dangerous result, as community partnerships are critical in a fight against non-state actors,” he stated. “To prevent unnecessary backsliding and the tragic costs that follow, we must renew our common goals and craft a streamlined strategy that galvanizes both the military and civilians in this war of ideas.”
Zardari also criticised Nawaz Sharif’s current era, claiming that transparency and dramatic values under the current PM have experienced a backslide.
“Today, my party stands as the only organization that is unambiguous in his fight against terrorism and violent extremism—offering a comprehensive strategy that encompasses coordinated civilian leadership and action. And despite a backslide in transparency and democratic values under Nawaz Sharif, foundations built during this early pivot have yielded tangible results,” she said.
