A nation without vision faces severe consequences in the sphere of diplomacy. Responsible leaders envision the future perceptions of the nations. The more responsible the leadership the more vivid the nation. It is an encouraging sign for the Pakistani nation that its heartiest representation in the condolence ceremony of Richard Holbrooke was performed by the leader of the nation, Asif Ali Zardari.
The art of diplomacy perfected by the Pakistan Peoples Party, through Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto was in full swing during the president's recent visit to the United States.
Zardari-Obama meeting was a success as Obama underscored the importance of US-Pakistan relations and pledged his continued support for the country in economic and strategic matters. 2011 is being described as Obama's Pakistan year. He has promised to visit Pakistan in 2011. Both Pakistan and the United States have no other option but to continue their dialogue and deepen their understanding about post-US Afghan scenario. Pakistan's concerns about the post-US Afghanistan are legitimate. US engagement with Pakistan should be long-term.
Pak-US relations, in the past had been marred by a constant trust-deficit and were unstable. Both sides gave more importance to short-term tactical goals. At first Pakistan was considered as a bulwark against communism in the fight against Soviet Union in Afghanistan. After the defeat of the Soviets, Pak-US relations revolve around US effort in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Much of the financial support to Pakistan is mainly based on reinforcing Pakistan's security apparatus to fight the Taliban's. Pakistan has suffered a lot as a result of the ongoing war against terror. Economy has suffered and long-term development growth perspectives are abysmal due to the beleaguered economy. Human cost of the war against terror is staggering. During 2009, 3021 people were killed and 7334 injured in terrorist, insurgent and sectarian related incidents in Pakistan. For the uplift of Pakistan's economy the quota of Pakistan's textile products to the United States and to the EU countries should be enhanced.
There are certain irritants in Pak-US collaboration in the war against terrorism which must be sorted out in order to have a lasting relationship. These include US repeated claims about the existence of a Quetta Shura, Drone attacks; US 'do more' mantra, US media campaign against Pakistan sincerity in its war efforts. Quetta Shura does not exist and US should not force Pakistan on this issue. US should stop media campaign against Pakistan's sincerity in the war against extremism. It has fuelled mistrust between the two countries. Pakistan has paid tremendous sacrifices in this war. It is the victim of terrorist's wrath as is evident from the suicide attacks inside Pakistan.
Since assuming power, the people's government has focused on exporting the soft image of Pakistan. Pakistan, which was previously considered as a pariah and a state exporting terrorism has now transformed into the most allied ally of the United States. Pakistan's services in the war against terrorism are commendable. Obama hailed these efforts in his meeting with Zardari. The Obama-Zardari meeting should serve to dispel apprehensions caused in certain quarters in Pakistan about Joe Biden's visit to Islamabad and the 'do more' mantra.
(The writer is Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Information and Archives Secretary Information PPP Women Wing Sindh.)
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