US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel recently met both the prime minister of Pakistan and the chief of army staff to tell them in plain terms that if Nato supply to Afghanistan is not restored, billions of dollars in aid to Pakistan might be withheld.

At present, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are touching the lowest ebb.

There is no hope of its revival unless the International Monetary Fund comes to its rescue. If the US military aid, which runs in billions of dollars, is stopped, the country’s exchequer will suffer an irreparable loss.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf chairman should realise this.

He has spent sufficient time in politics and by now he should be a seasoned statesman and a polished politician. Incidentally, he lacks both.

The PTI chairman, in the larger interest of the country, is requested to call off the sit-in to ensure smooth flow of Nato supply through KP. If not done, the US/Nato may use an alternative route and stop aid to Pakistan.

S. TAJAMMAL H. RIZVI Karachi