Time to walk the talk
The stand taken by PM Nawaz Sharif in Washington was persuasive. For democracy to flourish in Pakistan, he maintained, it was imperative to put the economy back on its rails, improve internal security, bring an end to power shortages and find new avenues for exports. This would improve the livelihood of the people which would in turn strengthen democracy. For this Pakistan needed friendly relations with India and peace in Afghanistan. The talks with to Pakistani Taliban were needed to obtain and give a chance to peaceful means of conflict-resolution. It was a reasonable narrative and Obama also affirmed that a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan was an essential partner for the United States in the advancement of shared goals of peace, security and socio-economic development in South Asia.
In the unusually lengthy joint declaration issued after Obama-Nawaz meeting, the US pledged to help Pakistan in a number of spheres. The two sides decided on the strategic priorities for the five working groups on law enforcement and counterterrorism, economics and finance, energy, security, strategic stability and non-proliferation and the Defense Consultative Group. It was decided to hold the ministerial-level strategic dialogue in Washington on March 24. One will wait to see how seriously the pledges are implemented as the promise to set up economic zones in tribal regions made many years back has never materialized. Again, Pakistan’s persistent demand for grant of privileged market access to its textile goods remains unfulfilled, though one expects the government to take it up again at the relevant working group.
The ball is now in Nawaz Sharif’s court. He needs to urgently take up the issue of talks with the militant groups within the parameters of the constitution. The TTP and other outfits have to end their attacks forthwith. They have to be told further that Pakistan being a responsible country cannot allow them to use its soil as a launching pad to attack other countries. In case they fail to fall in line, they have to be deterred by all the means at the disposal of the state. Those responsible for Mumbai attacks must be tried without delay. The evidence provided by Washington against JuD and its chief needs to be scrutinized carefully and if found to be conclusive, necessary action should be taken. Dr Afridi’s case should be decided strictly in accordance with the law. There is also a need to persuade the Afghan Taliban to bring them back to the negotiating table. As Nawaz Sharf has put it Pakistan’s politics should come out of duplicity and hypocrisy.
