- A laudable move by Imran Khan
The credit goes to Imran Khan for moving ahead to end the impasse in Pak-US relations. The summit in Washington on Monday ended on a positive note. US President Donald Trump has accepted Mr Khan’s invitation to Pakistan. As President Trump observed, relations with Pakistan are much better now than before and can be elevated to a higher level depending on the kind of understanding reached between the two sides. What Pakistan is required to do is to continue to provide help to the USA for a dignified exit from one of the most costly wars fought by it. Pakistan meanwhile is being asked to take irreversible and sustainable measures against terrorist groups.
The USA in return will restore aid, its level depending on the kind of understanding reached between the two leaders. President Trump has also offered to help improve Pakistan-India relations, expressing willingness to intercede to resolve the Kashmir issue, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had shown willingness to accept US mediation. India however has hurriedly contradicted the statement. President Trump’s claim needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as he is known for making catchy and off-script statements that lead to clarifications by the White House and State Department.
Whatever the PTI government might say in public, it needs US aid both to overcome the all-encompassing economic crunch and fulfil the military’s needs. What is more, it wants more access for Pakistan’s exports to the USA and investments by US firms in Pakistan. Pakistan’s economic and military teams are discussing the nitty gritty with their US counterparts. Whether they are able to sort out the devil that lies in details remains to be seen.
Pakistan has to act within limitations imposed by the country’s capacity and its national policies while cooperating with the USA. It is doubtful if Pakistan enjoys sufficient clout with the Afghan Taliban to be able to pressurize them to accept permanent ceasefire and enter into talks with the Afghan government. Similarly it might not be possible for Pakistan to become a part of the US strategic plan for the region. In case Pakistan fails to meet Trump’s expectations, he may quickly change his approach to Pakistan.
