US Respects Pakistan Sovereignty - the Ever changing scenario?

US Military’s hot pursuit of militants in Pakistani territories in recent weeks has raised considerable controversy on the question of Pakistan sovereignty. The September 3, 2008 physical assault by the US Forces in Pakistan’s tribal areas close to Afghan border and killing of over a dozen women and children, followed by several missiles strikes inside Pakistan, has been considered by Pakistani leadership, both military and civil as more than a case of disrespecting its sovereignty and as such would not go un-noticed. The Army Chief in unequivocal terms declared that such acts on the part of US/Allied Forces would be considered as aggression on Pakistan and militarily dealt with. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has supported Army Chief’s declared position.

In his meetings with the Pakistani Authorities in Islamabad on September 17, the top US military commander Admiral Mike Mullen “reiterated US commitment to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and to develop further US-Pakistan cooperation and coordination on these critical issues that challenge the security and well-being of the people of both countries.” While Admiral Mullen was extending this assurance to Pakistan Authorities, US launched another missile attack inside Pakistan which killed seven people and injured several others. It is rather intriguing to learn from a statement made by a senior Pakistani official to the Washington Times on condition of anonymity that ‘Pakistan considers US air operations with drones acceptable but will require any ground assault to be closely coordinated with Islamabad.”

Contrary to this report, Pakistani Army Chief during his meeting with Admiral Mullen is reported to have made it clear that “no more violations would be tolerated and the sovereignty and integrity of the country would be protected at all cost.” General Kayani has denied that there is any agreement or understanding between Pakistan and US which allows the latter to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The recent assaults in the Pakistani tribal areas and killing of non-combatant civilians, women and children, by the US forces in the backdrop of reports that these assaults were with tacit permission of President BushPresident Bush render Pakistani Prime Minister’s statement that US President during his US visit had assured him that US would respect Pakistan’s sovereignty questionable.

There are also reports that the US wishes reformation of Pakistan ISI (Inter Services Intelligence Agency) and change in the administrative control of the nuclear-related Strategic Planning Division (SPD). Former Governor of the NWFP, Lt. General (R) Ali Muhammad Jan Orakzai considers such a reformation as “complete takeover of Pakistan by the US”. .

Pakistani intelligentsia and foreign policy analysts consider the above stated position neither helping Pakistan noir the United States. Most people consider that it would lead to ‘no win’ situation for all. Pakistan would be the ultimate loser. The US must allow Pakistan Military to fight the militancy on its soil and the US to concentrate on its military actions in Afghanistan .

There is a definit deep divide amongst the people and the Government on latter's rather lukewarm response inspite of continuing US missile attacks on the border areas. Government and opposition in the Parliament is also having divergent views in this matter. Most people in Pakistan believe that US is planning to extend its assaults on tribal areas to other parts of Pakistan, destablize the country politically as well as economically, create an impression that an unstble Pakistan can not adequately safeguards its nuclear assets; therefore the possibility of nuclear weapons falling in the hands of militants. Thus, there is ample possibility of US attack on Pakistan. This was told by the former president of Pakistan general (R) Musaraff in his talks to a senior jounalist who confirmed tis during a TV interview on September 17, 2008.

Both US and Pakistan have to clearly come forward with their thinking and future strategy in the area constituting Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran and work out an arrangement leading to peace in the area. the divergent views as one observes from reflections from US and European countries are defintly not leading to peace and prosperity in the region.