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US-PAKISTAN relations have always been bumpy. In the 1950s Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan described Pakistan as America’s “most allied ally”. While Delhi tended to look towards Moscow during the Cold War, Pakistan backed the US. In return Washington provided sustained backing for the Pakistan Armed Forces. Again in the 1980s the US needed Islamabad’s support. It pumped dollars into Pakistan to fund the campaign against the Soviet troops in Afghanistan.

After the Soviet defeat and subsequent withdrawal, the US abandoned Afghanistan and once again ditched Pakistan, having achieved its objective. Since 9/11 the pattern is being repeated. Within hours of the destruction of the World Trade Centre in New York, General Musharraf was given the only choice to support the US against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. In doing so Pakistani as well as US policy that backed the Taliban in times of need was reversed.

Though Pakistan is cooperating with the US in the war against terrorism, but there are many areas in which the US would like increased cooperation from Pakistan and the demands a re rising exponentially. It wants that all Taliban elements should be rooted out from Afghanistan and the Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Pakistan is already conducting a military operation in its tribal belt. The Pak Army has also suffered casualties. But the US falls to understand the demography of the area, ie Pakistan’s tribal belt and South Western Afghanistan. Pushtoon inhabit these areas, with relatives living on both sides of the border. Since centuries these people have freely crossed the border due to ethnic ties. The problem is that, first of all the US sees almost all Pushtoons as Taliban, which is a misconception. Secondly any Pushtoon crossing the border is perceived as a terrorist.

This is far from reality. The Pakistan Government is spending huge amounts in these areas on development schemes including communication infrastructure and education. As prosperity comes to these areas, the way of life of the people is bound to change. The US must understand that the Pakistan security forces have to move very cautiously in these areas. Mishandling of the situation can have disastrous consequences for Pakistan. The way of life of Pushtoon cannot change overnight. After all, the Taliban were not born in a day. Their birth is attributed to US strategy, in the wake of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The other misunderstanding between Pakistan and the US is the subject of nuclear proliferation. The Father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Dr A Qadeer Khan is alleged to have proliferated nuclear technology. The Pakistan Government has acknowledged this lapse, which is understandable. Funds were placed at the disposal of Dr Khan with no questions asked and no audit. The scientist exercised autonomy and liberty in travel and business deals. Pakistan was able to succeed in achieving the nuclear capability because of the freedom of action granted to the scientist. The President of Pakistan has pardoned the scientist because of his stature amongst the masses and service to the nation. To make proliferation impossible in the future, the Government has since instituted strict controls.

Despite full cooperation with the international community in identifying the global network of proliferation having its roots in Europe, undue pressure is being put on Pakistan. In fact, more attention should be paid to dismantle the network in Europe and to take to task those responsible. It is surprising that not much is being said about the lapses occurring in Europe, and all the rhetoric is directed towards Pakistan. After all, how did India manage its nuclear programme? (Declared by the Government of India as being for peaceful purposes only). Was it indigenous? It is a known fact that no research in developing countries is possible without Western assistance. India did not re-invent the wheel. There was no need when it could easily lay hands on technology in the West. The West should do away with mud-slinging against Pakistan. The Pakistani masses are very sensitive to its nuclear assets, which are fundamental to the security of the nation. Pakistan has made many sacrifices, toiling over years of dedication and resolve. One thing is certain; the capability cannot be compromised at any cost.

Another big question in Pak-US relations is the Kashmir issue. The US is unduly supporting the Indian stance on Kashmir, oblivious of Pakistan’s sensitivities. India and the US have ignored the UN Resolutions on Kashmir. T.he US may embark upon a strategic relationship with India, but that does not mean that even unjustified acts of India be supported by the US. The recent confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan have diffused the volatile situation between the two neighbouring countries. The Pakistan Government has ensured that no infiltration takes place into Indian held Kashmir from Pakistan. India taking advantage of the peace overtures is in the process of building a fence on the disputed territory. The world including Pakistan wishes to see peace in the region, but peace cannot come on Indian terms alone. The Kashmiri population cannot be ignored and has to be given its fundamental rights.

The US is demonstrating impatience by wanting Pakistan to switch policies in the blink of an eye. Haste may spoil things, as humans require time to adjust to changing situations. Too much pressure on Pakistan may encourage the people to rebel. We have seen this to some extent in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Aggressive US policies towards Pakistan and Pushtoon in particular, has attracted sympathies of the local population. Resultantly, the religious parties became very popular in the last elections and have been able to form the Government in this province. Continued pressure on Pakistan may invite similar reaction in other provinces of Pakistan. Pakistan’s external relations are fuelled by a sense of victimisation. In domestic politics, politicians often complain that Pakistan was jilted in the past by the United States after doing Washington’s bidding and that it will not hesitate doing so again. Pakistan has made unprecedented reforms in its policies. The US must not expect a quick solution. It must build a long-term relationship with Pakistan for lasting solutions. T he US has to do a lot more to be accepted as a reliable partner, a partner not looking after its interests alone, but working for mutual benefit. Above all, the US must exercise patience, to ensure prosperity and lasting peace in the region.

The writer is a reputed analyst and freelance columnist.
© 2004 Shahid Saleem Afzal