September 14, 2007	Friday	Ramazan 1, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Sept 13: Describing Pakistan-US relationship as unequal, former foreign secretary Inamul Haq on Thursday asked Islamabad to draw ‘red lines’ in its ties with the United States.

“Pakistan joined the war on terror because it believed the phenomenon to be a threat to its security, but we have to establish our limits as well,” he said while speaking at a seminar on “Pakistan-US relations post 9/11”.

He was of the view that the US would not be able to exert pressure on Pakistan if red lines were drawn in the bilateral relationship — beyond which nobody could go.

He said it was in Pakistan’s own interest to fight terrorism to ensure the security of its nuclear assets, so that no nuclear material fell in the hands of terrorists. Moreover, it is in Pakistan’s own interest to ensure democracy and a sound educational policy for its people. “The problem comes when there is undue pressure and unfair allegations are made.”

He said Pakistanis were an emotional breed both politically and religiously but “we do not need to be emotional in our responses when dealing with the US. The most important thing is to set our own house in order, otherwise foreign countries will continue to interfere in our affairs.”

Mr Haque, who is also chairman of the Institute of Strategic Studies, said the US was the most lawless state in the world today. According to a press release, he said the US has worked against the NPT, failed to address the root causes of terrorism, negated the treaty on environment and worked against the WTO. Moreover, it follows a doctrine of pre-emptive strikes. It has worked to bring about a regime change in Iraq and now wants a regime change in Iran. As the sole superpower, the US has gotten away with a lot.

Dr Shireen Mazari in her presentation on ‘Pakistan-US relations’ observed that the US perceptions of Pakistan had always been dependent on its short-term interests in the South Asian region rather than any long-term and lasting relationships.

Zamir Akram, an additional secretary (foreign affairs) Prime Minister’s Secretariat, while expressing his personal views said there were two problems confronting the Pakistan-US relations. One is the threat of sanctions, and the second is the threat of direct military action inside Pakistan.