Pakistan shows maturity, far-sightedness

Thursday, July 05, 2012 - AFTER seven months of suspension of NATO supplies following Salala aggression by the United States and intensive parleys, Washington finally decided to say ‘Sorry’ that has paved the way for resumption of the crucial supplies for NATO occupation forces in Afghanistan. In its meeting on Tuesday, the Defence Committee of the Cabinet, which originally took decision to halt supplies in the aftermath of Salala tragedy, decided to accept the soft and out-of-sight apology of the United States that should otherwise have been clear and public.

Though some hardliners including religious parties and Difa-e-Pakistan Council as well as Imran Khan of PTI have rejected the decision announcing they would resist the reopening through every means but the fact remains that the move is somewhat closer to what Pakistan’s parliament had unanimously demanded. The credit goes to the civilian and military leadership as well as parliamentarians from both sides of isle for sticking to the principled position and resisting American pressure during this period. Pakistan suffered a lot due to its upright stance as all sorts of threats ranging from halting of military and economic aid, anti-Pakistan moves at regional and global levels and even suggestions of US boots on Pakistani soil were made besides arms twisting on ground to force the country to toe American lines. But Pakistani leadership made it clear that there would be no compromise on principles and interests of the country and we are glad that the understanding arrived at is manifestation of this approach. By agreeing to reopening of the routes after securing national interests, Pakistan has proved that it is a responsible member of the international community and wants to play its role when it comes to regional and global peace and stability. The decision would help avert a permanent breach in Pakistan-US relations which would have been in the interest of none of them. It would also allow Pakistan to replay its central role in Afghan affairs at a time when the coalition forces are poised to withdraw and are tying up arrangements for post-withdrawal period. The saner approach of Pakistani leadership has put Pakistan-US relations back on track but we would urge the US administration and policy-makers to shun the tendency of bullying and sanctioning their allies if ruptures in relations are to be avoided in future…