Author : Zainab
Abbasi
MPhil International Relations
Quaid-e-Azam
University, Islamabad
Pakistan
sharing bilateral ties with super power full of twist and turns in their
relationship since the independence of Pakistan in 1947. General election of
2013 marked the era of renewed relationship between two states, when President
Nawaz Sharif payed his first official State visit to U.S which opened up
channel for the strategic dialogue. This renewed bilateral tie was meant to
enhance their partnership and cooperation on different fields at international
level which is obviously in interest of both US and Pakistan. Pakistan was
demanding this kind of partnership with US since India in 2005, started its
strategic partnership with America. After several years, to some extent similar
deal was also signed with Pakistan in 2013. US was denying that deal to
Pakistan because US didn’t want to hurt its nascent partner as both India and
Pakistan are staunch rivals of South Asia and US had his greater interest in
India in economic terms. On the other hand US is trying to boost India as a
country that can curtail China in the region.
If
one look at two countries relations in context of countering terrorism.9/11 was
the phenomena that has changed the posture of the globe. In post 9/11 era U.S launched
its war of terrorism against Afghanistan with the assistance of Pakistan as a
frontline state.
Since
then Pakistan became the front line ally of U.S in this region and cooperating
with America to combat terrorism. Pakistan is fighting an internal war against
terrorists as the result of Afghan war, as this resulted in spreading of
anarchy across the border. Rise of the terrorists’ movement in Pakistan
basically driven due to strong ideological and religious factors.
Combination
of external and internal factors gave birth to worst kind of terrorism in the
country which now has become threat not only for Pakistan itself but also a
major threat to the existence of global peace. External factors like Afghan
Jihad and support to America’s War on terrorism contributed a lot in internal
contradictions in Pakistan and made it not only an exporter state of terrorists
for the world but also the hub of worst kind of sectarian conflicts.
US
used Pakistan as a frontline state
and parted ways soon after the completion of their goals under the highlighted
weight of altered international conditions and irretrievable strategic
divergences. So what good has brought Pakistan today again being party with
Americans?
In Recent events, one can clearly notice the
biasness of America towards its front line ally in South Asian region. Biggest
hurdle both states are facing in their bilateral relationships is F-16s deal
which US congress is not ready to crack with Pakistan. Another issue between
strategic partners is of cutting military aid to Pakistan under 2016-2017
fiscal budget unless or until Pakistan show its willingness to crackdown the activities
of Haqaani network working against US forces in Afghanistan. US claimed that Haqaani
network have safe houses in northern areas of Pakistan and Pakistan is avoiding
taking action against them which is not in favor of both countries relations.
Relationship
between Pakistan and United States is facing imbalance due to these issues,
sabotaging the progress of bilateral ties. Relations between two states
remained under stress for three months in 2016 said by Adviser to PM Sartaj
Aziz, because of the conditions attached to the funding of F-16 sale by US
Senate.
US attached the condition to take action
against Haqaani only after that it will fund the sale of eight F-16s to
Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan made it clear that they want those planes
to fight against terrorists in northern areas, which earlier also help them to
take out targets easily. Pakistani
senators called US a friend who cannot be trusted anymore and criticized it for
expanding relations with India and ignoring Pakistan deliberately. Double
standards of US towards Pakistan flamed the emotion of anger among Pakistani
nationals because they feel that US did not care about all those sacrifices we
made since the initiation of War on Terror.
One
of the senators of Pakistan termed this blocked of deal as the success of
Indian Lobby and failure of Pakistani diplomats regarding the issue. On the
other hand US is claiming that ties with Pakistan are complicated but cannot be
ignored as it is not in the favor of US national interest. US need to look
beyond its conditions for cooperation on Pakistan security needs and how it can
support the democratic nation to fight its enemies internal or external both.
US policy makers need to realize that Pakistan itself is facing terrorism
problem at home and it is not sole responsibility of Pakistani forces to fight
terrorism alone, we do need assistance from other states to deal with this
horrifying and complex problem of terrorism. If US want to Pakistan to do more,
then it is must for US to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts towards combating
terrorism and to provide it assistance and funds. Blocking of military aid and
F-16 sale is not in favor of these two complicated allies as both shares some
interest towards each other which cannot be over shadowed. On the part of
Pakistan, it needs to assure its counterpart that they will be working to live
up to their expectations because in any relationship both sides are equally
responsible to do best to keep things going smoothly.
No comments:
Post a Comment