US visit of
ISI DG
Dr Raja Muhammad Khan
General Zaheerul Islam, Director General Inter Services Intelligence
Agency has successfully concluded his week-long US visit. It was the first US
visit of Gen Zaheer as DG of ISI, since he assumed charge in March this year.
According to the confidential US sources, “all concerning issues were
discussed,” in the meeting between ISI chief General Zaheerul Islam and US
officials, especially the Director of CIA, General (retd) David Petraeus during
the recently concluded visit of the former. Indeed, this was a significant visit
by ISI chief as there remained a wide gulf in the Pak-US relationship,
following the incidents like; Raymond Davis, OBL killing and Salala Military
post attacks. Through this high-level visit of General Zaheerul Islam,
Pakistani side clearly conveyed its concerns on various issues bothering either
side.
Besides meeting CIA head, General Petraeus and special envoy of
President Obama on Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mark Grossman, during this visit,
the DG ISI had meetings with Deputy Director CIA Mike Morell, Senate
Intelligence Committee chairperson Senator Dianne Feinstein, House Intelligence
Committee chairman Mike Rogers. Senator John Kerry also had a short meeting
with Gen Zaheer. Lt Gen (R) Douglas Lute, President Obama’s special adviser for
Afghanistan and Pakistan also met Gen Zaheer. While discussing a renewed
counterterrorism strategy, CIA head General David Petraeus, emphasized Gen
Zaheer for more cooperation against Al-Qaeda fugitives. Pakistan, however is
already providing all out assistance and support to coalition in Afghanistan.
Indeed, any success of US in Afghanistan so far has been because of
Pakistan. Had Pakistan not been cooperative, this all would not have been
possible. Since the visit was after a deep distrust and tense relationship, therefore,
there were many speculations made as to the outcome of the visit. However,
according to US officials, “The discussions between General Zaheer and Director
Petraeus were substantive, professional, and productive. Both leaders
reaffirmed their commitment to work together to counter the terrorist presence
in the region that threatens both US and Pakistani national security.”
It was a focus visit of DG ISI and in his meeting with the US
officials, especially CIA Director, he clearly conveyed the Pakistani concerns
on two special aspects. One; ISAF and Afghan forces are not taking any action
against the safe heavens of Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and other militant groups,
fled to Afghanistan, sequel to military operations in Malakand, Swat and other
agencies of FATA. Defence analysts even anticipate that, these militants have
the backing of host forces deployed along the Pak-Afghan border once they
attack Pakistani military positions or on the villagers on Pakistani side. Two;
CIA was clearly conveyed by Zaheer that drone attacks on any part of Pakistan
are unacceptable. As confirmed by US officials, it was clearly told to US that
drone attacks have caused more damage to Pakistan, rather killing the foreign
militants residing along Pak-Afghan border or in NWA.
Pakistan considers that over the years drone attacks have enhanced the
number of militants, who then attack Pakistani security forces and
installation, considering them as US ally after finding US forces inaccessible
to take revenge. Moreover, in the so far over 350 drone attacks, over 3000
innocent Pakistani have been killed with a diminutive number of militants or
Al-Qaeda operatives. Pakistan demanded US to give this technology to Pakistan
and share intelligence about the hard-core terrorists in the area, against whom
Pakistan will act itself. However, US is loath over the technology transfer to
Pakistan, which Pakistan sees as a notion of distrust. In any case, Pakistan
has logically convinced US for the negative aspects of the drone attacks, which
US officials acknowledged even. As per the Reuters, on drone attacks, “Pakistan
remained firm on its stance” that, there will be “no compromise,” on the
sovereignty of Pakistan.
Some of the misleading media reports, both in Pakistani media and
abroad have wrongly projected that, perhaps, Pakistan and US have agreed to
undertake a Joint Operation codenamed “Tight Screw” on either side of
Pak-Afghan border, in which US boots on ground were envisaged. In this regard,
Pakistan security establishment has categorically denied any deal with US.
Rather, during his meeting with Director CIA, Gen Zaheer clearly told US that,
“Pakistan will not allow American boots on its soil for any operation and
whenever an offensive is launched, it will be done by us.” Nevertheless,
Pakistan has also clarified to US that, currently, it is simplly impossible for
Pakistan to launch a fresh offensive in North Waziristan Agency. Pakistan is
not in love affair with Haqqanis. However, for the peace and stability in
Afghanistan and for greater regional stability, it would still emphasize US to
engage Haqqanis and Taliban politically, rather pushing them to the wall. US
must seal Afghan side of Pak-Afghan border in order to stop the Haqqanis or
other militants from getting into Afghanistan or else entering Pakistani side.
Owing to its own domestic compulsions and resource constraint, Pakistan
cannot launch military operation in NWA. In fact, the Pakistani military
establishment has long been resisting the US demand of a military operation in
NWA. How can Pakistan strike a deal with US on this military operation at this
critical time of its relationship with US? Such an act will have serious
repercussions and public rebuke, which military establishment cannot afford.
While spreading such misleading information, media could have acted
more maturely. It indeed is bad on the part of media to project such unfounded
information for the cheap popularity of ‘New Breaking Campaign’ to take lead
from other channels or new papers.
Such un-investigated and un-analyzed reports amount to creating a hate
among the masses for ISI and the armed forces of Pakistan, which traditionally
some elements have been doing. Question arises, after all, why Pakistani media
always negatively propagate events of such strategic significance. Cannot they
find and project positive side of the story, unless paid heavily. Or else, they
write and speak on behalf of anti-Pakistan forces. Media itself should find
such blacksheep among its rank and file to have its own credibility established
both at domestically among the masses as well as internationally.
From the perspective of realist school of thought, the visit of Gen
Zaheerul Islam was a complete success. Clearly and cleverly, he conveyed to US
authorities, a message which addresses the core of Pakistan’s national
interests. After keeping the NATO and US supplies suspended for almost over
seven months, Pakistan resumed it with a clear understanding as to what would
be the future line of action; does and don’ts. This visit of DG ISI has further
clarified the US, as what is Pakistani position on some of the key issues,
which US views differently, indeed, contradictory to Pakistani stance.
Regarding the personality of Gen Zaheerul Islam, he hails from a traditional
military family and is known for his professionalism, bravery and being a
straightforward soldier with a clear perception of Pakistani national interest
and his responsibilities towards those.
Academia, media and analysts should assess the incidents and events in
their true perspective before putting across to general public and
international community. Otherwise we will be regarded a confused nation.
According to AFP reports, Gen Zaheer delivered US authorities “two loud and
clear messages.” One; no American boots on Pakistani soil and two; drone
attacks will be taken as violation of its sovereignty, hence must be stopped.
Analysts feel that, these were the real and long-standing demands of
people of Pakistan rightly put across by DG of ISI.
The message conveyed to US by Gen Zaheer was clear and concise;
therefore, let us hope that, there is a positive Pak-US engagement in the days
to come.
However, as a nation, we need to correct our perception about our armed
forces, who are giving their blood for the comfort of the nation and masses.
Besides, we should not repeat the words of our enemies, against the
first line of defense of our country (ISI). Let us be realist and loyal to
ourselves at least.
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