In your issue of March 19, 2004, read with interest the lead story about US Secretary of State Colin Powell's statement that Pakistan has been categorised as a 'major non-Nato ally' for military-to-military relationship.
This will bracket Pakistan with Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt.
I also read your editorial in the same issue captioned 'Pak-US relations' which implies much more than what the words convey. Still leaves out some pertinent aspects.
I fear the expression 'military-to-military relationship.'
Pakistan military has more often acted quite independently of the Constitution of the country and the institutions supposed to exist under it.
Supposing that US Congress approves the proposal and grants the status suggested, supposing that the parliament approves with thumping majority as it passed the LFO, wouldn't the military attain more independence of action and become a junior partner in the Pentagon's plans and plots. Is this apprehension totally unfounded?