The writer is an
economist, anchor,
analyst and the
President of All
Pakistan Private
Schools’ Federation
president@Pakistan
privateschools.com
Pakistan lodged a strong protest to the US as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) handed a strong demarche to US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said President Biden’s remarks factually incorrect and misleading. United States President Joe Biden said Pakistan may be “one of the most dangerous nations in the world” as the country has “nuclear weapons without any cohesion”. He made the remarks while addressing a Democratic congressional campaign. The US president’s remarks were made in the context of the changing geopolitical situation globally. A turning point in Pakistan-US relations and the maybe the worst step toward the restoration of traditional friendship between Pakistan and the US. After the visit of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the United States, it was expected that after years of favoring India, the US is now back to balance between India and Pakistan. But, it seems that Washington is just sitting pretty watching India play both sides. It was essential to maintain the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US relations and the close cooperation between the two sides to build regional and global peace. Pakistan has proven to be the most responsible nuclear state, wherein its nuclear programme is managed through a technically sound and foolproof command and control system. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and its impeccable stewardship of the nuclear program and adherence to global standards and international best practices was well acknowledged, including by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Pakistan has also consistently demonstrated responsible stewardship of its nuclear-weapons capability, marked by a very strong commitment to global standards, including those of the IAEA on non-proliferation, safety, and security. The real threat to international peace and security is posed by ultra-nationalism, violation of human rights in regions that are struggling against illegal occupation, violation of global norms by some states, and repeated nuclear security incidents. Arms race among leading nuclear weapon states and the introduction of new security constructs that disturb the regional balance also pose a threat to peace.
The US is the only country to have used nuclear weapons in World War II, it detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities, killing more than 200,000 innocent people. Security questions, if any, should be raised on the nuclear weapons of US and India, that a nuclear US is a threat to the world because a B52 bomber takes off with six live nukes in 2007 and no one knows for hours, recently India fired a missile into Pakistani territory by accident.
Pakistan and the US have a long history of a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship and it was imperative that the ties remain unhindered. At a time, when the world is confronted by huge global challenges, it is critically important that genuine and durable efforts are made to recognize the real potential of the Pakistan-US relationship while avoiding unnecessary comments. Pakistan is fully capable of safeguarding our nuclear weapons, and they meet every international standard in accordance with the IAEA as far as security and safety is concerned. Pakistan is adamant about ensuring its integrity and safety. The United States is the only country to have used nuclear weapons in war in World War II, it detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing more than 200,000 innocent people. Security questions, if any, should be raised on the nuclear weapons of US and India, that a nuclear US is a threat to the world because a B52 bomber takes off with six live nukes in 2007 and no one knows for hours, recently India fired a missile into Pakistani territory by accident. These are not only irresponsible and unsafe but raises serious concerns about the safety of nuclear-capable countries. Whereas, Pakistan’s nuclear program is in no way a threat to any country, like all independent states, Pakistan reserves the right to protect its autonomy, sovereign statehood and territorial integrity. Important thing is that on what information has Biden reached this unwarranted conclusion on Pakistan’s nuclear capability. Unlike the US which has been involved in wars across the world, Pakistan never shown aggression especially post-nuclearisation. However, Pakistan extends a cordial hand of friendship to the US whenever it needs support, the US always steps back when it no longer needs a Pakistani role in an issue, and relations decline. Pakistan has faced some of the toughest and strictest US sanctions in history. The US believes in transactional relations, whereas, Pakistan expects an all-weather, all-time, all-dimensions, and everlasting friendship, above any materialistic gains, or visible interests. The two countries have always cooperated with each other on their common goals and interests, though the US has failed to value Pakistan’s interests and has kept on making demands, without understanding Pakistan’s capacity to comply, or its own interests.
US policies are offensive to many nations worldwide and force them to join clubs on the other side. The US is facing isolation globally. It needs to revise its current policies and understand emerging trends and learn how to respect others’ needs. During the past few years, the US has blamed and threatened Pakistan. The US must understand ground realities and Pakistan’s importance. The US is supporting India militarily, which is a direct threat to Pakistan’s security. The transfer of advanced technologies may lead India to develop weapons of mass destruction, which will destabilize not only this region but the whole world. The recent arms deal signed with India worth 8 billion is a direct threat to the whole region, it may start an arms race and confrontation between India and all its neighbors. The US has announced it will cut aid to Pakistan. First of all, US aid is very meager and Pakistan is not dependent on US financial support anymore, especially after the launch of CPEC. The US is blaming Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan, which is not justified at all. The US must accept its defeat and face the mess it has created in Afghanistan. The US wants an Indian role in Afghanistan, replacing Pakistan, which is again not possible. India does not have a common border with Afghanistan, has nothing in common with it, nor any understanding of Afghan culture, traditions, and history. Meanwhile, Pakistan has a common border, a common culture, tradition, religion, ethnicity, and blood relations. Pakistan has hosted 3 million Afghan refugees since the 1980s. The US is pressuring Pakistan to oppose the BRI, CPEC, and China itself. But any tactics played by the US will not harm Pakistan-China relations and the CPEC will keep moving forward at any cost. Both China and Pakistan are on the same page, and complete harmony exists between us. Pakistan has suffered economic losses worth $136 billion due to the “war on terror.” Pakistan has sacrificed more than 70,000 precious lives, including 5,000 servicemen, and even schoolchildren. We have officially hosted 3.5 million Afghan refugees, but unofficially, counting the unregistered, the true number may be around 5 million. We have faced drug issues, gun cultures, and a deterioration of law and order deterioration due to the “war on terror.” Pakistan was a rapidly developing country in the 1960s and 1970s, but because of the US wars and proxy wars we faced severe deterioration and lost our position in the international community. Pakistan’s weapons are primarily weapons of deterrence, and Pakistan always supported the idea of peaceful uses of nuclear technology that began with its participation in the US Atoms for Peace initiative. Nevertheless, nuclear strength was a significant milestone to be achieved where you have an arch nuclear rival in the neighbourhood. Over the past decades, whatever Pakistan achieved in nuclear field helped Pakistan in ensuring balance of power in the region.
US should understand that nuclear weapons are assets which are the pride of Pakistan, assets which are dispersed and very secure in very secure places. Pakistan army is a professional army which has fought three wars. Much of the world, of course, is also satisfied about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. No one with ill intent can get near our strategic assets. Indeed Westerners resented Pakistan’s admission into the nuclear club. The West has been leading a crusade against the Muslims for a thousand years. No one ever speaks of the dangers of a Hindu bomb or other bomb. Though the United States has punished Pakistan in the past for its nuclear program with sanctions that not only failed to stop the program but also helped to aggravate anti-American feeling among Pakistanis. At the same time, US military and intelligence forces have been quietly working on US War Plans and pre-positioning the necessary equipment in the region and testing plans to snatch Pakistan’s nuclear weapons since long, more than 160 in total. Although such responses appear possible in theory, their implementation could be extremely difficult and dangerous. The snatch and grab operation would carry much higher risks, and could even inadvertently lead to regional and global war. American attempt to seize the nukes would lead to all-out war between Pakistan and the United States. The United States must, for its own security, keep good relationships with Pakistan and that’s more easily done if it remains engaged with the Pakistani government. Pakistan, for its part, can afford to lose neither America’s direct financial support nor the help that America provides with international lending agencies. Neither can Pakistan’s military lose its access to US weapons systems, and to the trainers attached to them. Economically, Pakistan cannot afford to be isolated by the US. For all these reasons, Pakistan and the United States remain locked in a hostile embrace. There is no escaping this vexed relationship and little evidence to suggest that it will soon improve. It will open avenues of collaboration in many areas, and assist in helping to expand all-dimension cooperation. The political and diplomatic relations must be upgraded to the highest level, which will pave the way for the overall improvement of relations. Pakistan was keeping American interests in this part of the world, and for seven decades, it ensured that the US achieved all its strategic goals in this region. It is desired that between US and Pakistan economic cooperation may be upgraded, investment opportunities must be encouraged and facilitated. Science and Technology will be the core area of cooperation, transfer of technology, and access to emerging technologies may be facilitated. Since the US undermined Pakistan and sidelined it for a decade or longer, the US has been facing failures one after another consecutively. Pakistan’s role is to deceive in this part of the world. Its geo-strategic location, resilient force, and political strength are vital for any superpower to sustain its supremacy. The US has realized the strength of Pakistan and is reverting back to restore the traditional friendship between Pakistan and the US. Early restoration is highly desired. Pakistan is caring well for all its neighbors, and friends in the whole region, no other country can replace Pakistan in this part of the world. Pakistan is a peace-loving country and our record in the UN peacekeeping force is admirable. It requires a comprehensive dialogue to understand each other’s points of view and resolve all differences amicably. Pakistan’s geo-strategic importance may be acknowledged and it’s vital role in this region may be recognized. The restoration of Pakistan-US relations is important to the whole region and will bring stability, development, and prosperity to all. It is no threat to any third country in the region.