News Analysis |
The US on Wednesday reiterated the need for Pakistan to act against alleged sanctuaries present on its soil. This was asserted by the spokesperson of the State Department hours after lawmakers in Pakistan passed a strongly-worded resolution against Trump’s hostile and threatening statements.
Pakistan has looked confident mainly due to America’s fast receding influence on Islamabad. However, Pakistan can not afford to strain ties
The lower house of the Parliament on Wednesday unanimously ratified a resolution which rejected all allegations and called on Pakistan to reconfigure its ties with Washington. While the NSC will finalize new rules of engagements as a response to ramped-up pressure by the US.
“It is vital to US interests that Pakistan prevent terrorist sanctuaries,” the spokesperson said. This was more of a follow-up on Trump’s speech and the subsequent statements of Rex Tillerson and General Nicholson, which hinted at strikes inside Pakistan.
Read more: Pakistan all-set to pull the plug on the US
Both Tillerson and Nicholson have alluded to the alleged Taliban Shuras in Quetta and Peshawar with the former saying that his country could hit terrorists anywhere.
The US has to retain the support from Pakistan, for it will need to find an amicable solution to the simmering situation in Afghanistan
Though far-fetched for now, the US may feel that strikes are tenable because non-military levers at its disposal are proving ineffective. The NSC has asked the Armed forces to maintain a robust defense posture in light of increasing threat perceptions on the Eastern and Western borders.
The Spokesperson added: “Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with their efforts in the region. As Secretary (of State Rex) Tillerson said, ‘We are ready to work with [the Pakistanis] to help them protect themselves against these terrorist organizations’.”
However, the Spokesperson said that Washington continues to value its ties with Pakistan. The spox said: “We continue to value our partnership with Pakistan and look forward to scheduling meetings at a mutually convenient time.” Pakistan had requested Assistant Secretary for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Alice Wells not to visit Pakistan.
Read more: “Pakistan will not be bullied” – Lt. Gen. Tariq Khan
Experts have pointed out that it is exactly why Pakistan will not give up its alleged subversive activities in Kabul
The Foreign Minister, Khawaja Asif also canceled his visit to the US. Khawaja Asif told the Senate that Islamabad has suspended talks and bilateral visits with the US in protest to the anti-Pakistan tirade by President Trump while he unveiled the new South Asia policy last week.
Pundits have criticized singling out Pakistan for the troubles in Afghanistan. Trump’s tirade has enabled Pakistan to iron out political differences and give a unified response. It is garnering support from allies in China and Russia against the new policy.
Read more: How should Pakistan respond to Trump’s Afghan policy?
The incorporation of India in the Afghan theater has put a stamp on Pakistan’s long-held fears of a nefarious nexus that will encircle it by exerting influence in Afghanistan
The incorporation of India in the Afghan theater has put a stamp on Pakistan’s long-held fears of a nefarious nexus that will encircle it by exerting influence in Afghanistan. Experts have pointed out that it is exactly why Pakistan will not give up its alleged subversive activities in Kabul. The US has to retain the support from Pakistan, for it will need to find an amicable solution to the simmering situation in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has looked confident mainly due to America’s fast receding influence on Islamabad. However, Pakistan can not afford to strain ties. The health of relations between the two countries is central to peace and stability in the region.