US policies responsible for regional instability, says Sartaj Aziz
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ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, on Monday said United States (US) policies were responsible for instability in South Asia, urging the Obama administration to analyse its role – and that of its allies – in the the region.
Winding up discussion on an adjournment motion in the Upper House, moved by Senator Mushahid Hussain, about US President Barack Obama's recent remarks that instability will continue for decades in Pakistan, Aziz said: "Pakistan's answer to instability is the strengthening democracy in the country."
Read: Pakistan among states that will face turmoil for decades: Obama
"The US created 'holy warriors' in our tribal areas during the 'Afghan Jihad' and then left them as soon as the war was over, a factor which contributed to decades of instability in Pakistan and the region," asserted Aziz.
Talking about external threats to the country's stability, Aziz added that since 2013, Pakistan has been pursuing a policy of non-interference and is not taking part in other nations' wars.
Related: UAE minister warns Pakistan of ‘heavy price for ambiguous stand’ on Yemen
The foreign affairs adviser said, "We have decided that we are not going to indulge in fighting other countries' wars now, and this policy is being pursued vigorously by the government."
"Pakistan has also taken a strong stance against terrorism. Operation Zarb-i-Azb in tribal areas and the operation against criminals in Karachi have helped improve the internal security situation of the country," he said.
In his last State of the Union address, US President Obama had warned: “Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of central America, Africa and Asia.”
Obama also identified a link between militancy and instability and warned that some unstable regions might become safe havens for terrorists.
“Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of Central America, Africa and Asia,” he had said.
Aziz had reacted to the statement the very next day and termed Obama's predictions as distant from ground realities.
Read more: Obama's statement on Pakistan not ground reality: Aziz
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On DawnNews
Comments (100) Closed
Jan 18, 2016 07:36pm
Great realization. You spoke the truth.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:36pm
I agree 200 pc
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Jan 18, 2016 07:37pm
I agree the Sartaj Aziz's statement.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:41pm
United States especially President BUsh administration is responsible for South Asian and middle eastern security and unstability, especially in the context of terrorism, war on terror human right's abuses and regional outcry.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:42pm
United States especially President BUsh administration is responsible for South Asian and middle eastern security and unstability, especially in the context of terrorism, war on terror human right's abuses and regional outcry.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:45pm
No doubt in that... U.S. Policies responsible for global war and destruction for last 100 years and what is to come very soon.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:46pm
Thank you very much for stating the obvious Mr. Aziz. Winning the war against terrorism, Democrcy, CPEC and the Chinese defence deals/options have embolden Pakistan. Very good!
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Jan 18, 2016 07:49pm
Don't blame USA. Look within. General Zia and the lust for American Dollars are the reasons too.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:50pm
The USA kept on chasing Pakistan with the provision of financial aid and there is no remarkable sign of strengthening reations between the former and later.
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Jan 18, 2016 07:52pm
@Khwarezmi , It will not be easy winning the war against terrorism. If and when you attack them, they will escape and hide in Afghanistan. When they get a chance, they will come back. It is gorilla warfare. Hide and seek play.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:05pm
I agree. But Mr Aziz isn't your own govt./nation also responsible too. How can you wish away all problems.
There must be something that you are responsible too.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:06pm
This year should be realisations and introspections so we may make it the year of elimination of terrorism. Good to read Sartaj Aziz statement.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:07pm
Mr. Obama. A man's character can be best judged when you serve outside of your community out of your comfort zones. Pakistanis living all over the world are law abiding good citizen of their respective countries. They serve in capacity of doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers and service jobs. They pay their taxes, invest in local economies, own homes and and entrepreneurs. The political instability is due to very few at the top. Of which most are your own creation. Mr. Obama. How can a country fail with people full of characteristic values I just described? Instead of highlighting the evil of top few, you should highlight the good of many.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:09pm
Very realistic statement
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Jan 18, 2016 08:09pm
Absolutely spot on . We fought American war and paid the price. It is easier to be critical of the then government but American government and foreign policy do not leave this option. Either you are with them or against them no neutral stance. They create an environment so that you cannot escape via sanctions and kickbacks to corrupt politicians and other learders. Obviously seed planted earlier of poisonous trees , fully grown and harming the present generation of Pakistanis.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:10pm
Yes I too agree with Mr. Aziz statement But what the Pakistani state has done so far for the people of FATA in terms of education, development and creation of employment opportunities, especially for the educated youths?
Military operations alone and throwing the garbage on US policies in the region can not solve the menace of terrorism and other related problems that we face today, particularly in FATA.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:12pm
@Abdul Muqtadir. Yes you are right about Zia and all but the fact is the Americans create an environment for these types of people to takeover and rule and they strengthen their power by giving aid etc.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:18pm
It's obvious most of the free world as we call know it. Mind you not just limited to US I can name a few others! Nothing has changed from the days of slavery and colonialism jus the method.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:26pm
Respected Mr Aziz you are right ..but Pakistan is also responsible .. But now it seems that government is serious in tackling terrorism ..
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Jan 18, 2016 08:27pm
I fully agree. Former President Gen Pervez Musharraf also makes similar view points in his book "In the wings of Fire" The disbanded fighters group after soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan should have been better addressed by every country that was involved in that mission. India is also suffering on this count
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Jan 18, 2016 08:31pm
Good stance.
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Jan 18, 2016 08:33pm
Truth has been spoken. Great Sartaj Aziz
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Jan 18, 2016 08:54pm
A reciprocate,severe and justified reply. Sub continents remained victum of British,Russian and US hegemonic designs. Sartaj aziz showed the US real face to him
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Jan 18, 2016 08:59pm
Wonderful to hear such Bold Comment coming out of Pakistan.
I can assure you West will respect us more if we mean what we say follow by our own deeds internally politics.
Well done Sir for having the courage to speak the truth.
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Jan 18, 2016 09:02pm
Finally an old man has the courage to speak the truth.
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Jan 18, 2016 09:13pm
at last someone has the courage to speak the truth and stand up for Pakistan
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Jan 18, 2016 09:24pm
Was it not Russia who invaded Afghanistan first ?
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Jan 18, 2016 09:48pm
Now you are saying and you were supporting them.
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Jan 18, 2016 09:52pm
Better late than never.
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Jan 18, 2016 10:17pm
They have encouraged India to make a Hydrogen bomb too by signing the civilian nuclear deal. Now Pakistan will have to follow suit.
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Jan 18, 2016 10:30pm
Welcome realization.Can't believe Sartaj's words.
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Jan 18, 2016 10:40pm
Truth, we are not in control of our own destiny, others decide what our future should be like, we are totally helpless, we blame others and sleep easy.
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Jan 18, 2016 10:53pm
Encouraging to see Pakistan's confidence building gradually.
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Jan 18, 2016 10:58pm
No doubt about it!
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Jan 18, 2016 11:05pm
USA is responsible for instability and Pakistan is responsible for collecting free money and military aid. That makes you responsible too.
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Jan 18, 2016 11:14pm
Pakistan is clearly showing a change in its foreign policies,We should should tell this to America as change...
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Jan 18, 2016 11:16pm
Sir, now you have hit the nail on its head!! It is an open secret that America is responsible for all the bad things in the Muslim world.
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Jan 18, 2016 11:16pm
While I agree with Mr. Sartaj Aziz, I wish his government do something substantial for the political, social, economic and education uplift of Pakistan itself.
Pakistanis should not depend on other countries to do things for them!
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Jan 18, 2016 11:22pm
Responsibility is not a binary game. It is actually possible to have more actors being partly responsible in the same case....
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Jan 18, 2016 11:28pm
Can we speak this truth more often as a reminder to the whole world who think that the problem lies with Pakistan only?
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Jan 18, 2016 11:44pm
Yes it is true that US was key player in the Afhanistan and Iraq mess. However many smart nations when looking for answers ask "what went wrong?" Instead of who did this to us. It is high time that we change our thinking.
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Jan 19, 2016 12:21am
For the record,this guy is way off base by saying the US created the "holy warriors". Actually, it was general Zia, who was the godfather of jihadist fueling regional instability. His strategy of propping up the jihadists, were followed by successive Pakistani governments.
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Jan 19, 2016 12:31am
Agreed
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Jan 19, 2016 12:52am
@Mohammad Saleem
Hindsight is 20-20. I am not a fan of Zia or jihadist/extremist ideology but one could argue that it was the need of the hour. You have a super power on your doorstep threatening invasion and his supporters might argue and with good reason that Zia saved Pakistan from Soviet invasion for a decade. And Zia wasn't doing it all by himself. He was doing it at the behest of the US who wanted the soviet a out of Afghanistan at any cost. So agree with Sartaj that USA played a big hand in creating these jihadists in Afghanistan and ensuing instability in the region. And the buck does not stop with Zia. Both NS and BB failed to keep a check on these outfits during the 90s.
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Jan 19, 2016 01:03am
There is a saying, "Truth shall set you free!"
But in this complicated scenario not sure who will be eventually free.
US government is responsible but so is Pakistan government. Lets stop the blame game and fix it. Creating of Taliban was mutual not a solitary act.
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Jan 19, 2016 01:14am
Sartaj Aziz is spot on in his reply please speak these kind of truth more often so world's know all the problems created in Pakistan are by American and Indian.
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Jan 19, 2016 01:17am
It is the duty of every foreign affairs advisor of a country to defend his policies and Mr. Aziz's assertions are correct as they relate to the America's role in that region.If Mr.Aziz can say that Pakistan will not be a party to any war in Afghanistan,he should also say emphatically that similar policy will hold in any conflict with India.This kind of statement is necessary to move the dialogue process and achieve peace in both countries.
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Jan 19, 2016 02:13am
There will be stability in years to come, as there is a changing of the guard at the 'super power' level. In years to come, US would have slipped and China will be 'número uno'. That means stability for pakistan, as we should not have a 'two faced' ally anymore, but an 'iron brother' as a brother.
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Jan 19, 2016 02:20am
Stop blaming other countries,and look at your own backyard pakistan has to get rid of all terror groups,there are a lot of sane voices coming out of pakistan in this regard please listen to them,Pakistan as a nation needs a national mindset change,
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Jan 19, 2016 03:27am
The region is on fire since the US arrived here....
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Jan 19, 2016 03:39am
We can agree 1000%.
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Jan 19, 2016 04:05am
Really Mr. S.Aziz? wow, may be its a news for your cabinet members but rest of the world already knows this....... at this point in time, its too little too late.... wake up, do something that would positively impact the economy, beating a dead horse wont solve any one's problem...
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Jan 19, 2016 04:31am
Who implemented US policies in Pakistan? specially when current accuser was foreign minister in 1998–99, and held powerful posts later on.
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Jan 19, 2016 04:32am
So now we realised it !! After 1000's of innocent Pakistanis life's are lost. Its tragic that our policy makers and leaders are incompetent in playing their roles and we are supporting them. Fighting will not lead us to a better future and it will only create hatred. Our foreign amd national policies are so week that US is directly and indirectly directing and shaping our policies which is equivalent to having no sovereignty. This is the time to wake up amd realise that this mess is partly our mistake since we were never truthful to the country amd its people. Pakistan went down after Zia's rule and has become worst in the hands of our current leaders. Although this realisation has struck us after 3 decades, I really hope that we learnt something from this and change the ways we operate currently. Work for the country and its people, improve our country in a truthful and decent manner.
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Jan 19, 2016 04:49am
Can't believe these are Sartaz Aziz words, look like someone wrote him the speech as per the occasion. He would not even remember these words / statements in next couple of years to come. But if you honestly spoke these words I personally salute you.
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Jan 19, 2016 04:54am
When we stop blaming other for our stupidities. The USA will do what is best for USA.
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Jan 19, 2016 04:58am
While United States is the main source of instability for creating armies of religious extremists, what about our own "brotherly" nation of Saudi Arabia? Also what about our agencies collaborating with these two elements to form the real axis of evil? Let's start with our own backyard.
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Jan 19, 2016 04:58am
How convenient to blame US for everything! We're so perfect and innocent that we can do no wrongs! Please, give me a break and start realizing our own mistakes and take ownership of our own mess. To begin with, the current PML leadership is the by products of the very regime that cultivated and supported those US policies. We're not stupid, we remember everything that went on that time.
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Jan 19, 2016 05:19am
You are realizing now, Pakistan politicians should have thought about 25 years back, when they backed USA in cold war.
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Jan 19, 2016 05:26am
I agree with Mr. Sartaj Aziz. However he should not forget that he was a equal share holder and partner in creating, housing,training, launching these holy warriors for attempting to make Afghanistan their strategic depth. Now he can not blame America.
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Jan 19, 2016 06:13am
Have some self respect. No self respecting nation will open itself to the policies of other nations.
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Jan 19, 2016 06:26am
Always ready to blanme everyone else but themselves.
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Jan 19, 2016 06:29am
May the Almighty grant us sufficient honesty to acknowledge our mistakes. You cannot lay the blame for what you do on others. Each one of us is responsible for our actions. If I indulge in violence, I cannot claim I was influenced by so and so.
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Jan 19, 2016 06:44am
United States never wanted peace in Pakistan and play every single tactic to destabilize the region. China, India and Pakistan should stood up in order to stabilize this region and recognize American agenda and disclose it to public as well. Divide and rule type of western mental model should be discouraged.
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Jan 19, 2016 07:02am
It is true that US policies created problem and instability wherever they interfere.
This is their unstated policy to interfere wherever it is possible and create instability, so that instability is far away from their physical shores and keep USA isolated from any disturbances from outside.
This is an old British policy and USA is continuing with the same.
It is always expected that when USA will want, they will again interfere in this region.
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Jan 19, 2016 07:04am
Blaming others for your mistakes is really nice.
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Jan 19, 2016 07:07am
Was Obama just making a prediction or was he talking about a plan? That is hard to figure out.
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Jan 19, 2016 07:21am
It needs 2 hands to make a clap.
US is responsible for the policies but it is we who executed it.
We are equally to be blamed.
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Jan 19, 2016 07:22am
Not US policies, but yourself....dont pass on the buck pls Mr Aziz..
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Jan 19, 2016 07:39am
@Zulfi it's not hindsight if it's still going on.
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Jan 19, 2016 07:39am
Why is India and Pakistan so quick to give credit to others for their own work?
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Jan 19, 2016 07:45am
Well Said Mr Aziz. I think now instead of them asking us DO MORE we should be saying NO MORE
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Jan 19, 2016 07:57am
No doubt,USA is highly responsible for instability in the world in genral and in pakistan and particular.if the dactation of "Do more" continue pak may never achive its goles.
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Jan 19, 2016 08:03am
yes I do agree,that all mess created in the region by us including Iraq,libya, Syria,Egypt and now in KSA by pushing oppositions.there regims are also equally responsible by not allowing the opposition of freedom of speech.
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Jan 19, 2016 08:22am
@sbk
On the contrary sounds foolish.
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Jan 19, 2016 08:22am
All are caught under illusion. Not able to see behind.
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Jan 19, 2016 08:23am
ok Me Aziz , US is responsible for the region but tell me who is responsible for state of pakistan??
and we all want to know when will you retire??
is there any age for a politician to retire in pakistan??
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Jan 19, 2016 08:39am
@Jawad
Yes they are good citizens when they live outside of Pakistan and bad citizens when they live in their motherland PAKISTAN.
This is evident from the trash found on the street, no respect for civil and traffic laws, corruption is rampant and list is endless.
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Jan 19, 2016 08:40am
Great. One must be able to call a spade a spade. Great realization and I appreciate the steps Pakistan is taking to bringing in normalization/stability in the society. It is really heartening when somebody talks the truth and acts to set things right. While i agree that US used Pakistan for their vested interest. But you must do a self introspection as to how did they get the opportunity. There is a saying that nothings come free on earth. Pakistan is paying a heavy price for not being far sighted. However better late than never. Hope things will change in Pakistan for good.
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Jan 19, 2016 08:44am
I agree and fully support Sartaj Aziz, I agree with him,
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Jan 19, 2016 08:45am
Mr. AZIZ , is an experienced prudent man who has dealt with all the countries in the world for decades. He doesn't need to get upset with an ally who is still decides many factors in the subcontinent, china doesn't. so please carefully articulate and do not provoke USA as Mr. Obama is also in a difficult last leg in US presidency
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Jan 19, 2016 08:55am
The blame has to be shared equally in the melting-pot. The US is a congenital trouble-maker. What happened to our policies of national fusion and economics?
We have educated and intelligent persons among us and corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, how long can we remain nostalgic of the past and apply 'film-flam' Eco-policies?
Without solid borders, economy, and internal strength...our borders will atrophy and dwindle through attrition. Salams
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Jan 19, 2016 09:13am
This should have come on the national TV by our PM, let it be heard in all capitals of the world. As a sovereign nation, a tit for tat reply is need of hour.
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Jan 19, 2016 09:26am
USA is responsible for our misfortune. What a lame excuse for our own failure.
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Jan 19, 2016 09:36am
If Pakistan had not made itself a pawn in US's policy on South Asia there would have been no problems.
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Jan 19, 2016 09:39am
when we want to do the business let say the gas pipeline or try to establish any other relation just to make a healthy living they showed up with sanction things, their banks are full their people are not starving and they i mean US thinking beyond and to provide a better living for thier citizens, and now out of nowwhere on their convinience they lift sanction (which is a good thing) but they did keeping the same thinking i.e betterment of thier citizen. double standards..
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Jan 19, 2016 09:44am
before USA involvement everything was in order.what they have done has done nothing but brought chaos.there was taliban then so called IS and then something else would show up out of those suppressed people.if stomach is full soul is satisfied.
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Jan 19, 2016 10:22am
This is not just Sartaj Aziz speaking, it's the government of Pakistan sending a clear message to the US. Well done. Enough is enough.
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Jan 19, 2016 10:25am
Let not the negative and pessimistic comments of the US President affect the morale of this great Pakistani nation. Conquer we shall, Conquer we will and Conquer we MUST. Inshallah.
Pakistan Zindabad
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Jan 19, 2016 10:34am
@ABDUL MUQTADIR
Is it USA doing same? Blaming Pakistan?. USA should stop blaming Pakistan for its own fiascoes. The seed of evil; which USA sowed; whole world is reaping for the crime the didn't committed; particular Muslim world.
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Jan 19, 2016 10:47am
Truth at last !
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Jan 19, 2016 10:47am
Tell them this truth on their face !
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Jan 19, 2016 10:56am
It came too late. BUT came right. Our PM must also speak up in this regard.
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Jan 19, 2016 11:19am
@Nadim Your 'NO MORE' strategy is good if you start saying 'NO MORE' to financial aid and discounted weapons.
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Jan 19, 2016 12:00pm
At least the truth comes out!
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Jan 19, 2016 12:10pm
Hopefully Mr Aziz is correct but can not ignore President Obama's prediction. US is more secure and informed than any other country in the world. The US has ensured that the conflicts remain away from main-land for which they have done ground-work already.
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Jan 19, 2016 12:12pm
Aziz sir, the damage done to the country with the cooperation of those in power earlier, but now we have to think how to resolve the problem and what proactive actions to be taken.
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Jan 19, 2016 05:41pm
Blaming others for you own mistake won't do good. Accept the problem, then only you can think of corrective measures. As long as you keep you eyes close, instability going to be there in pakistan.
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Jan 20, 2016 07:31am
All said and done as long as we Pakistanis keep depending on IMF, World Bank and other financial lenders/supporters from outside world we are economically enslaved nation.
Pakistan can never have its independent approach in developing proper foreign policy affairs to manage and dispose it's affairs with dignity and honor.
Basic fact is that Pakistan is exploited due to our debt burden of billions of dollars for which debt servicing is not possible without being subservient to those who Pakistan owes monies.
That's the fact of life and paying off the debt burden takes a nation with character to raise its head with honor and dignity in situations where one can live without compromising national dignity. Unfortunately that's a harsh fact that Imran Khan has been trying relentlessly to bring forth for Pakistanis' to understand. Uneducated Pakistanis don't have that awareness and people like Mr. Sartaj Aziz can keep fooling innocent Pakistanis over and over again.
Good luck Imran Khan.
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Jan 20, 2016 01:38pm
Vow Mr. Sartaj Aziz, you just hit the nail. Very blunt truth spoken.
Bravo !!!
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