Daily Times

In wake of the twitter war between the US President Donald Trump who understated Pakistan’s efforts in the war on terror, and his Pakistani counterpart PM Khan, Pakistan seems to have found the missing piece of its incomplete puzzle.

While the military leadership, and the diplomatic wing of Pakistan’s government persistently asserted Pakistan’s role, accomplishments, and sacrifices in the US led global war on terror, yet somehow  the effort lagged to attain due acknowledgement from the World’s sole superpower. What remained missing throughout, perhaps, was the assertion of the country’s political leadership. The cautious reluctance practiced, however, has failed miserably all along in gaining acknowledgement of the unparalleled sacrifices at all levels rendered by Pakistan in establishing regional as well as World peace, particularly in light of Trump’s recent statements.

Defending the move of his administration to withhold aid to Pakistan, Trump stated, “They don’t do anything for us; they don’t do a damn thing for us”. The diplomatically not-so astute US President, unaware of the regional geo-political and strategic ground realities of the past and the present, yet again fell prey to his arrogance.

Not long after President Trump got a befitting response from PM Khan via twitter, the Pentagon spokesperson came to US’ rescue, acknowledging the critical role that Pakistan played, and still continues to play in the war on terror, and the establishment of peace in Afghanistan, and the region at large. The statement coming from the Pentagon defies the US President’s claims of Pakistan having done nothing.

Trump’s claim about Bin Laden, lost its weightage as the former US President Barack Obama, while addressing the World post the Bin Laden takedown inside Pakistan, acknowledged that intelligence collaboration with Pakistan led the US to Bin Laden’s whereabout.

This entire episode added to the misery, and anger further fuelling the anti-US sentiment among the public in Pakistan, has also led us to finding the missing ingredient in our case before the World- i.e. an assertive political leadership, that is.

Whilst PM Khan, and his government, is confronted with various challenges, and very well may be suffering on many fronts, but by giving a befitting one of a kind response to the US President has gained acknowledgement, and support from not just the public, but the state institutions as well. Even the opposition parties supported the PM’s stance.

“Record needs to be put straight on Mr. Trump’s tirade against Pakistan. 1) No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pakistan decided to participate in the US war on terror. 2) Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war, and over $123bn was lost to the economy. US aid was miniscule $20bn”, stated PM Khan in his tweet.

He went on to call out the US, telling it to abstain from trying to make Pakistan a scapegoat for its failures inside Afghanistan.

Khan stressed the need for Trump to be informed on historical facts, particularly in the wake of his false assertions..

“Pakistan has suffered enough fighting the US’ war. Now we will do what is best for our people, and our interests”, concluded PM Khan wisely saying what almost every Pakistani endorses.

Only those countries earn respect in the World who uphold not only their national interests’ high, but mutual interests, and make way for the greater good of all

The chief of Army staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa also seconded the PM’s stand stressing the need for recognition of Pakistan’s role in establishing peace in Afghanistan, and the region. US charge de affairs in Pakistan was also summoned to the Foreign office in strict condemnation of US President’s misleading statements.

Saying No more to do more was the need of the hour. Pakistan stands unified at all fronts, the judicial, the political, and the military. A trio that has been missing for a long time!

The US, on the other hand seems in to be disconnected. Particularly with the Pentagon issuing a statement in contradiction to that of the President. The clear divide could further deepen Trump’s growing political isolation, and decline. The US public has already voted in favour of the democrats in the midterm elections, which perhaps very well sets the tone for the presidential one scheduled to take place in 2020. Trump, has proven himself to be a potential threat to the US’ interests courtesy his stand alone decisions and not-so-thought out actions time and again, he might not make it to the second term.

It is imperative not just for the US but the World at large that the US’ President, instead of taking solo flights, takes all relevant institutions on-board, and gains an insight before deciding irrationally.

PM Khan, on the other hand, through his befitting response has given a long missing voice to not only public feelings, but also took a national stance supported by state institutions, unifying the country. The PM went on to win the public interest by not giving in to the tough demands of the IMF, primarily on increasing the GST along with the prices of utilities, and has instructed the Finance Minister to renegotiate the terms with the international body.

Giving in to unjust external pressures by compromising on national interests has not taken us, in fact any country, anywhere. The steps towards assertively holding the national interest above all not only deserves applause but unconditional support as well. Only those countries earn respect in the World who uphold not only their national interests’ high, but mutual interests, and make way for the greater good of all.

Continuing on the road taken will surely take us leaps ahead in rebranding ourselves as potential game changers for good!

The writer is an Islamabad based freelance opinion writer and columnist

Published in Daily Times, December 4^th 2018.