Sir: This is in response to Mr Muneer Akram’s article published in a local newspaper dated 18 Feb 2018. All the points touched upon by him are the top surface of the prevalent environment. The real issues hidden underneath are different: 1) The objectives that the US claims to have in Afghanistan are fake and are based on lies. 2) The unstated objectives are centred on perpetual stay in the region purposely keeping it unstable; deny China and Russia the southward opening to the consumer markets (this one is a bit tricky. For understanding this, one needs to be an economist of the sorts. Humongous volume of Chinese goods not finding enough markets in South Asia, Africa, ME, South America and northern rim of the Mediterranean can result in two things i.e reduced output to keep prices stable or to export the same to North America and Northern/Western Europe to maintain viability of the infrastructure developed inside China). 3) China can and will secure its sea trade in Afro Asian Ocean with military means strategically placed which infringes upon US domination of the globe in maritime domain. Number 4 Pakistan’s nuclear insurance policy against India has tilted the balance of power in her favour. This needs a counter weight which India cannot create so the US military presence in Afghanistan provides that. Now with that lenses in hand one has to see the strategic paradigm. India is manageable to the extent that we tell the world squarely that it is India who has wasted an opportunity for peace. Kashmir issue cannot be resolved in short term so we must raise the heat factor. Collaboration with China must now start translating into a formal alliance covering economic, diplomatic and military spheres. Actions speak louder than words so PAF must start exercising shooting down target drones while increasing its patrolling activities in FATA. Cold shoulder to US diplomatic out reaching Pakistan’s political and military hierarchy will send a strong message that we mean business and efforts to intimidate us will not bear fruit. General Qamar Javed’s latest speech in Europe is the correct shot called by Pakistan. Diplomatic strength can only be demonstrated if domestic political environment is stabilised immediately. To that end lingering cases against Sharifs must be concluded without loss of time. Free and fair elections must be held before time to elect a truly representative government of the people. These are the right answers to the unanswered questions. Merely scratching the surface can only pacify the itch. Treatment of the ailment is in choosing the right regimen. ALEEM ANWAR Rawalpindi Published in Daily Times, February 20th 2018.