Troubled relationships of US and Pakistan

Pakistan OBSERVER, Tue, Nov,20, 2007.

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema
 

Prior to his departure to Pakistan John Negroponte, US Deputy Secretary of State gave a statement before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in which he stressed that events in Pakistan deserve America’s full attention as the developments in Pakistan affect the vital interests of the US in the region. He further emphasized that Pakistan’s continued cooperation is vital to American interest in Afghanistan. In this connection he also stated that what happens in both Afghanistan and Pakistan is now vital to American national interests. 

While Mr. Negroponte highlighted the importance of Pakistan, he also drew the attention of American law makers to the perceptions of ordinary Pakistanis who believe that the US has been very inconsistent in its engagement with their country over many decades and very inconsistent in supporting the democratic aspirations. He advised the Congress Committee that the US demonstrate consistency to ensure the stability and the democratic nature of Pakistan. The objective is to influence the Pakistanis so that they begin to see the US as a reliable friend and a reliable partner. 

In his long statement he gave the history of American engagement with Pakistan over the years in an attempt to demonstrate how the Americans helped Pakistan. Highlighting the fact that the Americans have stakes in Pakistan, he stressed the need for long term relationship in congruence with the recommendation of 9/11 Commission. ‘We need to sustain our engagement if we are to effectively assist the majority of the Pakistani people to realize their desire for a more moderate, stable and democratic state’, he said. 

While highlighting the major successes of the Musharraf regime during the last eight years including the freedom of media, impressive growth rate, women empowerment bill, major contribution in war against terrorism, and gradual movement towards the desired democratic setup, the recent moves such as the imposition of emergency and restrictions on media could cause backsliding. 

For this very reason, he further said, that the US is urging the government of Pakistan ‘to return to laying the foundation for a sustainable transition from military to civilian rule, and fulfilling its commitments to do all it could to ensure that upcoming parliamentary elections occur on time  and reflect a free, fair and transparent political process. The current state of emergency calls into question these commitments but we should work to achieve their fulfillment, not preemptively write them off’. 

Once in Islamabad the US deputy Secretary of State reportedly delivered a strong message regarding the imposition of emergency. What is interesting to note here is that following his meeting with Pakistani President, many newspapers reported the phrase that a ‘strong message’ was delivered’ whereas in his statement to the House foreign Affairs Committee he used the word ‘urging the government of Pakistan’. Since no official statement has been issued by the Government of Pakistan, it is somewhat difficult to ascertain the nature of the words employed. However it is not too far fetched to assume that the concern of the Americans must have been effectively communicated to the Pakistani officials. 

In his press conference the US Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte, once again reiterated the importance of Pakistan as an ally but also pointed out that the recent acts such as the imposition of emergency, suppression of some parts of media, harassment of human rights and political leaders are not compatible with smooth moves towards the holding of free and fair elections. The response of the Pakistani leader was that the emergency would stay for the time being as its main purposes are to improve law and order situation, and also to strengthen fight against extremism and terrorism. However some voices from the government benches were reportedly suggesting that the emergency should be lifted before the elections. Simultaneously it was stated that the elections would be held in the first week of January 2008 and efforts are being undertaken to create an atmosphere in order to ensure free and fair election scheduled to be held early next year. 

Undoubtedly the main concern of the American is to enable Pakistan to carry on its significantly effective role in the fight against terrorism. However many Americans feel that Pakistan’s gradual drift towards a fully democratic state would be impeded by the recent governmental acts which in turn could take a heavy toll of Pakistani efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. 

This is not the first time that that the Americans expressed their concerns over the developments in and around Pakistan. However what is viewed as a somewhat objectionable by many in Pakistan is the notion of interference by Americans in the internal affairs of Pakistan. However it does not mean that a friendly advice is not welcomed. In fact frank exchange of views between two friendly countries is not an unusual development. 

Not only the Pakistanis have been frequently urged to do more on the complex Afghan-Pakistan border with regard to stop the Taliban but also the American media regularly injects doubts about the dangers of Pakistan’s nuclear assets falling into the wrong hands. Some Americans believe that Pakistan could do more but it does not pursue the enemy in accordance with the American expectations. Similarly many Pakistanis feel that Pakistan is doing much more where as the efforts of the NATO forces are dismal. 

While the US officials stress that the Pakistani government lacked sufficient commitment, the Pakistani official reportedly emphasize that neither the US is supplying accurate intelligence information about the whereabouts of the militants nor the strict US control over the equipment that could enhance their ability to hunt down the militants is helping the pursuit of the militants. 

It is not too far fetched to assume that neither the Pakistan nor the US trust the other partner in the war against terrorism. The lack of trust and interference into the internal affairs of Pakistan has further eroded the existing level of trust and fanned the rapid rise in the level of anti-Americanism in Pakistan. The need of the hour is to reestablish the desired level of trust between the two countries. One hears complaints from both sides and many of them seem reasonable. The two partners if they can be called partners need to avoid treading each other’s sensitivities and work harmoniously towards the attainment of common goals. 

While it is easily comprehensible the noises made by the Americans especially if one views within the context of ongoing Presidential campaign in US, the Pakistanis should do what they deem appropriate and right for the greater good and the national interests of Pakistan. Both need to adhere to the limits of criticism and compliance. 

Given the electioneering in both Pakistan and US along with extremely poor performance of imposed government in Afghanistan, the relationship between the two countries is likely to be somewhat troublesome for sometimes to come. It would not be out of order to portray the present relationship as ‘troublesome’. However the redeeming feature that is still well recognized by both sides is the need to intensify efforts to check the rising tide of extremism and to further strengthen joint efforts against terrorism.
 

The writer works for Islamabad Policy research Institute.