Revisiting Pak-US relations

Pak-US diplomatic, military and economic ties have come on a turning point after the NATO forces’ unilateral operation in Abbottabad in pursuit of the Al-Qaeda Chief, Usama Bin Laden and a recent strike on a Pakistan army camp. It is the juncture where the
two nations are bound to decide one thing from long-term engagement and immediate estrangement—-the latter seems to be somewhat difficult for Pakistan which heavily banks on the American Aids and loans.

The PPP-led Pakistan government is under severe pressure from civil society, media and religious ranks which want complete break-up with the US. There are protests across the nation coupled with hot TV debates. It seems the Pakistani public has got sick
of the America which, since last 65 years, has always thought of its own interests and designs on the expense of Pakistan’s sovereignty and independence.

Historically speaking, Pak-US relations have never been even—-and it can never be as the equation is small fist v big crocodile. There had been some key and critical times in the past when America not only deceived Pakistan but also went for its opposition
despite the fact that the two states had been posing to be ‘close friends and allies’ from 1951 to this date.  Be it 1965 war or 1971 debacle, Kargil dispute or nuclear issue, war on terror or drone attacks; the US has never supported Pakistan’s cause and
interest.

Despite this, it is a fact that Pakistan owes a large part of its development to America which has been showering abundant dollars on it since the time when the late Pakistan Prime Minister, Liaqut Ali Khan, opted for the capitalist block against the communist
wing. The Pakistani politicians and army of every era are grateful to the US for the luxurious life styles and unlimited assets.

It is a natural rule that when a person gives something to the other, he also dictates his will on him. The person at receiving end is forced to follow the will of the giver whether it goes against his interest. The same happens with Pak-US ties as the latter
always gives bags of dollars with lists of dictations.

One thing is clear that if Pakistan opts for engagement, it can never expect balanced dealings from US. It will have to sacrifice its sovereign character like the past. It will have to become a lapdog, a puppet and a slave. Nothing will change.

On the other hand, if it goes for alienation, it will be devoid of dollars which are currently lifeblood for it. Moreover, it may face isolation in world political comity.

But the positive aspect of the estrangement is that Pakistan will be able to become a sovereign, independent and prosperous national like China, Iran and North Korea after sufferings and miseries of some decades. The path is thorny but the destination is
glorious. But, believe me, the current Pakistan administration will never pick this option. Never ever.

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Posted by Sharjeel Ahmad on Dec 10 2011. Filed under Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry