USA fixed the responsibility of attack on
OBL—although various alternate theories do exist—however, this is the official
position of USA. In retaliation, USA decided to capture and kill the leaders of
AQ including OBL. At that time OBL was living in Afghanistan and prevailing
government of Afghanistan (Taliban)—supported and friendly to Pakistan and
Saudi Arabia—shown reluctance in handing over OBL to USA, in spite of
deliberate efforts by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
To attack Afghanistan, USA needed support from
neighboring countries, including Iran and Pakistan. As against to Pakistan, USA
and Iran has an history of hostility, hence, USA focused on Pakistan for
provision of all logistics, as well as, information support. Pakistan agreed to
demands of USA, reluctantly, because Pakistan knew the consequences; however,
USA twisted Pakistani arms to get desired support. Taliban had support across
the Durand-line and Pakistan had to face the consequences of supporting
America—although Pakistan never send troops to coalition forces, fighting
inside Afghanistan. Consequences for Pakistan to support America in Afghanistan
proved deadly and manifold in the area of security, as well as, economics.
As a war strategy, USA decided to attack some
areas inside Pakistani territories—primarily tribal areas adjacent to Afghan
border—resulting in more anger (among Taliban) for Pakistan and USA. Due to
ease of distance and reach, Pakistan faced wrath of Taliban, in the form of
suicidal attacks across the country, however, USA remained safe at home,
primarily, due to lack of access (by Taliban).
Assessing the easy target—whole country of
Pakistan—Taliban attacked Pakistan hundreds of times from 2007-onward. These
Attacks include Masjids, markets, courts, schools, military camps and police
force. Above 70,000 Pakistanis are killed and hundreds of thousands are
injured. People lost confidence in their society and capital flown out of
country, resulted into unemployment and economic losses. A conservative
estimate of economic losses is more than US$118 billion. This all happened
during a period when neighbors of Pakistan—India and China—were depicting
phenomenal economic growth, and whole South Asia was growing, economically. Fact
is USA had paid multi-billion US dollars to Pakistan, out of coalition support
funds, however, such an amount is primarily used for military operations.
Pakistan was a partner of America in defeating
USSR in Afghanistan, but in the post-war era,
America, and Pakistan could not agree on the choice of rulers in Kabul. Pakistan
succeeded in finding a friendly government of Taliban in Afghanistan, but later
on, America attacked Taliban and got
Pakistani support through arms twisting. America could not succeed, [like earlier
wars in Afghanistan] and promoted the role
of anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan—including Northern Alliance and Indian
influence. The increased role of these
anti-Pakistan parties is certainly against the interests of Pakistan; hence,
Pakistan could not support America, wholeheartedly. With every passing day,
relations of America and Pakistan are moving towards less-friendly. Definitely,
in this age of information, Pakistani youth are looking at all these
developments. They question American actions because they knew their nation has
sacrificed above seventy thousand lives and billions of US dollars in economic
losses. They knew their streets and schools became red by the blood of their countrymen in a war, which was not their war—in
fact, it was a western war but brought suffering for their community,
more than anyone else in the world.
In Pakistan, western establishment, all the
times supported military dictators and poured in billions of US dollars during
those regimes—including Ayub, Zia, and Musharraf. While during civilian
regimes—including Bhutto and Sharif—western establishments ignored Pakistan or
at least reduced support including economic and political. Fact is Bhutto and
Sharif had ground-level support, among
the masses, and supporting them would have created a soft image of the west in the hearts of Pakistanis. America has
helped Pakistan in many areas, including
defense and education, but American image is more of an enemy than a friend in the eyes of masses. Clearly, American
missed the opportunity, even after pouring billions of US dollars in cash, as
well as, in kinds.
Kashmir is a disputed area between Pakistan and India.
Globally, Muslims and others, alike, are unanimous on the resolution of this issue under the resolutions
of United Nations. Clearly, United Nation
resolutions guarantee the right of self-determination
to Kashmiris. However, western establishment never acts overwhelmingly for implementation of such resolutions by
pressing India. In fact, occasionally in case of Kashmir, western establishment
put its weight against the oppressed Muslim community. In addition, there were
two issues of persecution of Non-Muslims—in Indonesia and Sudan—and got quick resolution by dividing the countries and
ensuring independence in South Sudan and East Timor.
At present [2016], Pakistan-USA relations are not
friendly, and USA wants an increasing role for India in Afghanistan—clearly
against the interest of Pakistan. This act has obliged Pakistan to shift focus
towards Russia and China. China has already announced China Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) with an investment reaching to US$ 60 billion. In international
relations, countries follow their national interests, however, to succeed in
global arena, internal strength and increased number of friendly countries is
required. Pakistan has succeeded in developing some reliable and time-tested
friends—including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China. Although, Pakistan has no
direct conflict with any country—except India—yet Pakistan needs to increase
number of friends.
Pakistan is facing multiple challenges at internal as
well as external fronts. Internal challenges include establishing a just society—with
economic opportunities, speedy justice, infrastructure, sufficient supply of
power and energy, education, healthcare and employment for increasing
population. Persistent current account deficit is a big problem for Pakistan.
Recent figure (US$ 12 billion) is highest in recent history of Pakistan.
Pakistan economy has started showing positive signals—after significant
reduction in terrorism and power breakdowns—but still a long way to reach the
destiny of self-sufficiency.
Written in 2016
Written in 2016
