Stumbling ahead without a clear policy

Reliance on street protests would lead to nowhere

On Wednesday, the issue of Pak-US relations was taken up by the National Assembly, Senate and the National Security Committee of the Cabinet. As was being feared, the NA and Senate resolutions were not identical.

It appears from the proceedings of the NA that the government had done little thinking over what to do besides rejecting Trump’s new Afghan policy and allegations against Pakistan. The recommendation to cancel the provision of ground and air lines of communication to the US through Pakistan without any serious provocation was frivolous. The advice of the Leader of the Opposition to hold a Joint Session of parliament was ignored. Also his suggestion that the government share with the Parliament whatever evidence the US administration had provided to justify Trump’s tirade. A resolution was moved hurriedly, as if under orders, without ensuring adequate presence of the MNAs. The resolution was passed “unanimously” in the presence of only 52 members from a house of 342.

The Senate passed a more balanced resolution. While rejecting Trump’s “one-sided” remarks, it called for the preparation of a national policy paper while keeping all stakeholders in mind to “serve as a [reference] document for US policymakers.” it recommended Pakistan to form a South Asia strategy that should be comprehensive. No territory should be used against a neighbouring state and there should be a focus on border management and security along the border. The resolution emphasised that Pakistan’s viewpoint should not only be conveyed to friendly countries but also to the allies of the United States.

Thousands of Pakistani students go for higher education to American universities. Pakistan needs American support while interacting with multilateral lenders like IMF and World Bank. Pakistan and America have military exchange programmes while the later also supplies Pakistan a part of its defence requirements. Pakistan has all along sought Washington’s help in resolving the Kashmir issue with India. All these positive factors need to be kept in mind while reacting to Trump’s senseless outburst.