Why the procrastination?
After advising Marc Grossman last month to put off his visit, Islamabad has now asked Centcom Chief Gen James Mattis also to delay his arrival till the parliament redefines the parameters of relations with the US. The need for the move was felt by Pakistan’s establishment after Pakistani troops guarding two checkposts along the Pak-Afghan border were killed in an attack by the Nato forces two and half months back. Earlier it was given out that the exercise might take between a week and ten days. Now we are being told that the matter would be settled after the Senate elections have been held and it is possible to convene a joint session of the parliament. Presumably, the delay is being caused by some of the outstanding issues still remaining unsettled. As a parliamentary committee has already formulated its recommendations, a joint session could have been called any time this month. If constitutional amendments can be enacted by the parliament without waiting for the Senate elections, the new policy towards the US could also have been brought before it for debate and approval.
The prolongation of the standoff is likely to create more complications for the region. The ill-conceived resolution on Balochistan presented by three Congressmen has led to a campaign against the US despite the Obama administration distancing itself from the move. The standoff during the crucial endgame in the neighbouring country can only prolong the miseries of the Afghan people while it will also provide encouragement to militants operating inside Pakistan. There is a need on the part of the US and Pakistan to urgently resolve outstanding issues to fight the common enemy together.
The US needs to apologise for the attack on Pakistani checkposts. Furthermore, it has to give a shared responsibility to the Pakistan army in the ordering of the drone attacks. Among other things, this would hopefully minimise civilian casualties. The proposed meeting in London between Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Khar should prove to be a game-changer.
