Daily Times

Trump once again bomb shelled Pakistan over false allegations of sheltering “agents of chaos”. Trump’s high-handed attitude towards Pakistan, ignores the sacrifices and loss borne by Pakistan and Pakistanis alike.It also reiterates two things. Firstly, that the US like ever is attacking Pakistan verbally by reiterating its policy of “do more”. Secondly, Trump is promoting India’s interest in the region. Trump’s pro-India and anti-Pakistan policy surfaced even before he was elected as President.

Trump’s skewed statementsare fueling more anger and nurturing anti-US slogans in Pakistan, rather than resolving the core issues faced by Pakistan for more than a decade. Pakistan itself has been the biggest prey to terrorists which began when it embroiled itself in a war against terrorism after the attack on the twin towers on 9/11. Pakistan, then the frontline ally of America in the war against terrorism became a victim in the war it was fighting.

The cost endured by Pakistan through the war on terror is incalculable. Many of the uncontrolled suicide attacks and terrorist activities have been harnessed to a large extent. The whole nation is fighting this war with courage and unified strength and will continue its efforts in the global war against terrorism.

It appears that the US has lost its battle and it has failed badly in restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan. Instead of holding its own army and failed policies accountable, it is blaming Pakistan. The inconclusive war in Afghanistan for the last 16 years has put America to shame. Moreover, the economic loss and killing of thousands of US troops in Afghanistan is not easy to justify at home.

Besides, justifying a 16-year long war in Afghanistan, Trump is paving the way for the deployment of more troops in Afghanistan and encouraging India’s involvement in Afghanistan – calling India “the largest democracy” and a “key security partner of the US”. Trump has marked the presence of India in Afghanistan as both legal and imperative.

Pakistan is firm in its stand of peaceful resolution of all conflicts and committed to work with the international community to achieve the common goal to overthrow extremism till its end

Trump’s aggressive policy towards Pakistan might be seen as an effort to change the balance of power in South Asia giving importance to India over Pakistan and other regional countries like China, Iran and Russia.

In a way, it’s an attempt to downplay the role of Pakistan and other regional countries. It would not be wrong to term Trump’s statement a repetition of old rhetoric of “do more” and pro-India policy as anti-CPEC policy.

India seems busy in its utmost efforts to disturb the mega investment plan between China and Pakistan. Doubting the anti-CPEC element in Trump’s rough and tough talk, China’s Foreign Office blatantly rejected Trump’s accusation for Pakistan safeguarding the houses of terrorists. China urged the world to recognize the role of Pakistan in war against terrorism.

By putting all blame on Pakistan and advocating the role of India in Afghanistan shows Trump’s irresponsible attitude in terms of Indo-Pak hostile relations. Instead of convening the role of a mediator in resolving the Kashmir issue, Trump is adding fuel to the fire. India and Pakistan both are nuclear states. Though they do not owe the same status to the world as USSR and US had during Cold War era, the presence of the atomic bomb has made their position more sensitive and any irresponsible attitude can trigger a world-wide nuclear conflict.

In a nutshell, the US needs to review its policy in South Asia promoting peace and stability. Festering conflicts is not in anyone’s interest. It’s no longer pre-Westphalia era when there was no international system. Pakistan is an independent and sovereign state and hegemonic Indian designs cannot materialize since Pakistan is a nuclear state. Pakistan is firm in its stand of peaceful resolution of all conflicts and committed to work with the international community to achieve the common goal to overthrow extremism till its end.

The writer is a freelance contributor and can be reached at nazia.jabeen@yahoo.com

Published in Daily Times, August 24^th 2017.