The only route
Starting off from high moral grounds with the demand for an apology for the deaths of 24 Pakistani troops in the Salala ‘accident’ (now I would say), the Pakistan government ended up accepting that its military also contributed to the circumstances leading to the Nov 26 incident.
True, the standoff over supply routes was not advisable and something Pakistan could have ill afforded. But, the manner in which the entire thing happened was one of the biggest diplomatic retreats by Islamabad in recent times. This left everyone, even the supporters of good relations with the US, confused and bewildered.
The journey from Pakistan Army’s insistence that the “Salala incident was deliberate” to Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s conversation with Hillary Clinton in which both “acknowledged the mistakes that resulted in the loss of Pakistani military lives” was long and troubling. It not only threatened Pakistan’s interests abroad, but cost both the political and military leadership credibility.
If it was known that there were mistakes on the part of the Pakistani forces than why did we take the confrontation with the US to these levels? No one in Islamabad or Rawalpindi is interested in answering that. What they would, at best do is play around with the interpretation of Secretary Clinton’s statement.
But, more important than the debate over whether the word “sorry” satisfied the demand for apology; and if the permission to transport lethal equipment consigned for Afghan security forces was in conformity with the parliamentary resolution; it is now time to deliberate as to what extent the Pakistani side itself followed/respected the much cherished parliamentary resolution of April 12, 2012.
The parliamentary resolution had clearly stated the SOPs for making new agreements/MoU with any foreign government that included vetting by Law ministry, circulation of the draft of the accord among members of the parliament’s committee on national security, approval by the federal cabinet and a policy statement by the concerned federal minister in both houses of the parliament. As I understand, the resumption of Nato supplies happened under a new agreement. Was the proper procedure recommended by the parliament’s joint sitting followed? Certainly not. The federal cabinet too was briefed about the decision taken by the Defense Committee of the Cabinet a day after for its concurrence.
Secretary Clinton’s statement on having been assured about the reopening of routes while the DCC meeting was in progress left no doubt that the decision had already been taken and the session was a mere formality.
Clinton’s rush to making the announcement on routes knowing that Pakistan’s military and political leadership were meeting to take the decision revealed the underlying mistrust between the two allies. She clearly did not want to take the risk of leaving the final announcement to the Pakistani leaders once she had said “sorry”.
The whole debate would now come down to what forced Pakistan to climb down from its initial demands. Fear of isolation, losing its role in the Afghan endgame, aggravating the economy; and the threats of designating Haqqani Network and Lashkar-e-Taiba as terrorist organisations – a move that would have had serious repercussions for Pakistan, all contributed to the decision to allow reopening the supply routes.
As I conclude, I remember one of my sources telling me almost 10 days ago that the deadline for concluding a deal was July 4. I regret not having paid attention to that, but now I understand that some of the above listed fears could have materialised if the leadership would have delayed it further.
Moral: Never bite off more than you can chew.
The writer is a member of the staff at Dawn Newspaper.
The whole episode is shameful!
On the whole the outcome is good economically and strategically both for Pakistan & US. Both teams came out looking like winners. Should be welcomed by all! I think Pakistan showed a lot of spine in standing up to US! Congrats!
Surprised to understand that Pakistan is hesitating in naming Hqqani network a terrorist organisation. How on earth they can be helpful? a totally fractured strategy designed to earn more enemies than friends.
Surprised to see that the comments are not disabled and still not comments!
As reported in Dawn, BBC, NYT and and other world news three days after the tragic Salala incident, the US government offered to the Pakistan government to join together in a joint investigation. Pakistan government refused. Instead, General Kayani was quoted in the press as calling it a "deliberate" attack — before a complete report was given to the public. It would have been so much better if the nations could have joined together, so we could have one report instead of two reports. That report would still be painful, but at least the public could see their two governments trying to build trust together, instead of losing it.
My comment is not directly related to the subject but has a connection.My family was in the transport business since 1937.We gave up a few years ago when the younger generation refused to run it. They had better jobs. The point I want to make is that the size of your oil tanks are grossly overweight in relation the the truck axles and tires. These trucks on the long term are going to smash your roads,especially during the rainy season.Roads are not cheap to repair and maintain.My question is,who is going to pay for that?In the first place were such huge tanks approved with the road department's permission?
One more conspiracy theory we love to make!
Bought and sold. Done.
Next…
Hang down your heads in shame, and cry…
Those 24 dishonored graves of our Courageous Shaheeds, the innocent fallen brave defenders of our house and home. No words can explain away your ultimate sacrifice, no tears can assuage the grief…tears filled eyes your dearest shed in the shadow of your eternal mounds, final resting place.
No "Thank you" form me. No…that would only self-righteously hypocritically demean your priceless ultimate gift. Only Allah knows, bestows, can reward your offering…
Explain and white wash as often as you want. The rest of us are amused at you.
Time to jangle the bangles and discard those trinket tin-men.
couldn't have put it more aptly!!
Good article but in reality do you honestly think that we could have benefited by delaying re-opening the routes furthe?
Pakistan could only chew this much. I think we should stop spreading speculatory stories and mislead people. As a principle I believe if I am providing a service I should be paid for it. Nothing should be free .
Excellent article. Kudos to the author for his integrity and courage to call a spade a spade. Not an easy thing to do for a journalist in Pakistan specially if he is speaking the truth that may show the politicians and military in bad light.
Pakistan bit more than they could ever expect to chew; specially when they have no teeth…..in the matter.
There was NO APOLOGY. The word APOLOGY was NEVER used. It is a variation of the same statements America gave and has been giving from the beginning of the Salala accident.
AFTER ALL, WE ALL (THE WORLD) KNEW HOW IT WOULD END. NO SURPRISES THERE.
Are you kidding me? There is more freedom of press in Pakistan than most countries, perhaps even India does not have that much freedom of press,certainly the US doesn't.
What can you say, Pakistan have lost its way, got no clue to where it wants to go , or where it is going.
Every one laughs at us. Except nothing from our leaders, then you will not be disspointed.
The establishment confronted the US, got a "sorry" and $1.1 billion in blocked Coalition Support Funds. They will see this as a major victory and as such will be communicated by their minions in the media.
its good at least Pakistan getting some less funds !! shud stand on its own some day.. these funds dont reach the people anyway.. go into the pockets of some people!
Worsening Economy and faltering national interests — forced the 'climbdown' – between two old friends.