PAKISTAN has once again asked the US to stop drone attacks in … Fata and has warned that the assaults will have a very negative impact on future Pakistan-US relations. During their recent meeting, the CIA and ISI heads discussed these issues. The ISI chief has clearly said that with such attacks, the war on terrorism cannot be controlled. Most of the people killed or wounded as result of the drone attacks are poor and innocent Pakistanis who have nothing to do with terrorism. Both the government and the Pakistani nation are determined to eradicate terrorists. That is why the US also believes that the war on terror in Afghanistan can't be won without proper support from Pakistan. If the US wants to destroy terrorists in Pakistan, it would be unable to do so without taking Pakistan into confidence. At present, Pakistan is playing a vital role against terrorism and fully supporting the US in the prevailing situation both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In case of any misunderstanding between the US and Pakistan, the ultimate beneficiary will be the Taliban. The war is not over and it is the need of the hour to step up efforts to eliminate militants in the region.

…The US should learn a lesson from the results of its struggle in Afghanistan where the Taliban are gaining strength by the day. Despite its failure in Afghanistan, the US wants to wage a war against the Taliban in Pakistan. America should keep in mind that Pakistan is an atomic country and will never allow anyone to start war on its soil. The US would be better off changing its policy … and taking Pakistan into confidence before taking any decision in this connection. The war on terror is not an issue that can end in a day or two and needs an effective strategy devised by Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US, otherwise the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan will further suffer. The people have already suffered a huge loss of life and property. It is clear to all that the war on terror has also led to displacement of people … and they are still leading lives without food, shelter and other basic items of daily life. The relevant countries should … take decisions for their return…. — (April 13)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha