In the rapidly changing world of the 21st century, every country aims to develop relations with other nations while giving priority to its own national interests. Pakistan is also facing a similar situation in its ongoing strategic dialogue with the United States.
Two days ago, during these dialogues, Pakistan showed a great deal of diplomatic maturity by crafting a 56-page dossier containing an outline of strategic relations and other demands by Pakistan.
Geostrategic Importance in Region
In fact, US-Pak diplomatic relations date back to the inception of the country itself. These relations have been very strong but, over a period of time, they have lost their warmth. The United States has lost its reputation among the Pakistani people.
Despite these factors, the reality that the United States is the sole remaining super power with specific global designs remains unchanged. Pakistan has its own geostrategic importance in the region. But the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, as well as Indo-Russian ties, has not only changed the dimensions of US-Pak relations, but has enhanced their importance.
Post 9/11 Scenario
After the 9/11 Pakistan is the one country which has made a maximum contribution and sacrifice in the war on terror, while America has yet to fulfill its promises to Pakistan. If we critically analyze US-Pak relations, the present impression gets strengthened that the United States has always put aside the interests of Pakistan and guarded their own.
However, there is no need to go back in history. The war on terror is enough to prove the fact. The sacrifices given by the Pakistani people are far greater than what the American people have given.
Civil Nuclear Agreement With India
There is no comparison between the people of Pakistan and the United States. Americans cannot even think of the degree of loss suffered by the Pakistani people. Despite all these sacrifices, at the end of the strategic dialogues US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says that Pakistan is at the top priority, but as yet the United States is not ready to accept it as partner.
Despite knowing the volatile situation in the region, the United States made a civil nuclear agreement with India while stating that for the next fifteen years there was no possibility of such an agreement with Pakistan. Such statements will only widen the gap of mistrust between the two countries.
Future Prospects
In the next round of talks, Pakistan must present its point of view more assertively. The United States should not only give support to the defense and energy sectors in Pakistan, but should also play an impartial role to keep the region stable. The biggest mistake of the US think tanks is that they place Pakistan and war-torn Afghanistan on the same pedestal.
Because of such dual policies, the United States has lost its trust with Pakistan. If the United States does not accept Pakistan's nuclear status and continues with its partial policies in the region, it should also not hesitate to explore other options. Preparing a strategy for the future during these strategic dialogues is a welcome step, but we must make it clear that we will not submit to the United States demands any more.
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