The statements coming from Islamabad point not to posturing but the adoption of a clearer stance on dealings with Washington. For the first time since the two joined hands in the battle against militancy, both sides have publicly acknowledged that they differ markedly on how the fight should be fought.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was particularly forthright on Tuesday in his joint press conference with Admiral Mike Mullen and special envoy Richard Holbrooke. Stressing the trust deficit between the two allies, he maintained that ‘We can only work together if we respect each other’. Instead of the usual formal complaints, it was publicly made clear to the Americans that drone attacks in Pakistan were unacceptable.

Later, what the army feels is vilification of the ISI in the US media was criticised by Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. Islamabad also rejected a proposal for joint operations in the tribal belt. Accustomed to talking while the other side listens, the visitors were reportedly taken aback by Pakistan’s decision to go on the offensive.

It shouldn’t have come to this for officials should talk to officials, not through the media. Washington is to blame here because it set the precedent and Islamabad finally reacted. But there is an upside as well. Only when differences are openly acknowledged can progress be made towards their resolution. There may be a political dividend as well.

As far as relations with the US were concerned, this government had come to be seen by many as a continuation of the Musharraf regime. America dictated, and we took notes. The new approach could mark a break from the past. It also suggests that the elected government and the security establishment may finally be on the same page vis-à-vis the fight against militancy and terrorism. Unfortunately, the Obama administration’s policy on Pakistan is similar to that of its predecessor. Its tone, in fact, is even more aggressive and threatening.

The US needs to realise that drone attacks on Pakistani soil are counterproductive. A few militants may be taken out but many civilians are also killed in the process. This causes outrage amongst tribesmen whose support is critical in the battle against the Taliban. Moreover, such violations of national sovereignty give new impetus to anti-American sentiments across the country and weaken the credibility of the Pakistani government. Then there is the curious expectation that Pakistan will do more even as inflammatory stories are planted in the American press.

On the Pakistani side it has to be accepted that this is primarily a fight for our own survival. Right now the militants have the upper hand and we need to put more boots on the ground and improve intelligence-gathering to reverse the tide. If we can’t defeat the enemy, others may feel justified in filling the breach.