APROPOS the news of the US House of Representatives passing legislation that curbs US ‘assistance’ to Pakistan. The congressional leaders in their wisdom have sought to impose ridiculous conditions on what the US deems ‘aid’, when it is in fact reimbursement for materials, services and – most significantly – the colossal cost this country’s fragile infrastructure has had to incur as a US ally.

It is unfortunate for a great power to now lose its standing in the eyes of its allies by toeing a line being fed to it by Pakistan’s enemies. One wonders if this change is because we are now pursuing an independent foreign policy, or because they lack the objectivity to understand the true nature of geopolitics in this region.

I hope that the changes in offing in US policies will goad us into pursuing a truly independent policy. In the process, America ought to be reminded that having restrictions imposed on what is essentially a repayment is bad business, and in future we will demand advance payment. After all, business is business.

Amjad Siddiqui

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2017