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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Raza Rabbani has suggested that Prime Minister Imran Khan should not meet US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during his visit to Pakistan and only the foreign minister should hold talks with the US leader.
Talking to Dawn on Monday, he said that protocol demanded that the prime minister should not meet Mr Pompeo as whenever a Pakistani prime minister visited the US, he was not received by the US president.
“Moreover this is not for the first time that the US has cut the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) of $300 million as it had also previously stopped payment of $500 million to Pakistan,” he said.
He regretted that despite a number of sacrifices rendered by Pakistan for peace in the region, the US was constantly asking to do more. Not only the US has advised the International Monitory Fund (IMF) not to give loan to Pakistan, but it also ended military training programme, he said.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi recently explained that the US had not blocked any aid to Pakistan, but it had only stopped reimbursement of $300 million to the country.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Joseph F. Dunford will visit Pakistan on Wednesday.
They will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan during the visit.
Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2018
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On DawnNews
Comments (111) Closed
Sep 04, 2018 08:41am
Good suggestion as US needs to be reminded that Pakistan now has a counter part to state secretary.
He could call onto PM or COAS if protocal allows but discussion must be with FM n his team.
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Sep 04, 2018 08:50am
Sensible advice. Hope it is taken.
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Sep 04, 2018 08:51am
Not a good idea. Channels of communication must never be blocked. Instead, americans should be elaborated the "Pakistani way" in a "firm tone" this time around. Diplomacy never tires down.
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Sep 04, 2018 08:53am
Raza Rabbani is infamous for antiAmerican statements and thoughts. PM Imran Khan musn’t listen to him. Let’s solve the issue via diplomatic talks. Shah Mehmood
Qureshi can do it.
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Sep 04, 2018 08:54am
Let's see PM has the guts
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Sep 04, 2018 08:58am
That’s poor excuse Mr Rabbabi not to meet US Secretary! Diplomacy, bi-lateral interests need to be discussed and negotiated unlike child like behavior you are suggesting. You can’t isolate yourself by not talking! How come when your party ruled, it didn’t display your suggested behavior either? Now you are suggesting a mute point.
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Sep 04, 2018 08:59am
dont play with fire.....
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Sep 04, 2018 09:06am
Rabbi is misguiding current govt, there is no harm in meeting with anyone including US delegate. Rabani and PPP did nothing in past 5 years and 10 years in Sindh.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:07am
@ImranKhanPTI do not give in to Mr. Rabbani's suggestion as if he or his government did everything right during their tenure. Do what is right and in my opinion you wouldn't want to start on a wrong foot with the Americans.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:11am
I concur.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:15am
Very immature rather childish and misguiding advice. We must meet and listen them with open heart and convey our opinion confidently.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:25am
Imran Khan and SMQ will be held responsible for the state of US-Pakistan relations, so they should decide how to conduct foreign policy.
Those who don't bear the responsibility should not dictate policy.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:26am
I agree with Mr Raza Rabbani. WE have FM now so no need to see Mr Khan.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:30am
Agree....
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Sep 04, 2018 09:30am
Rabbani should have done so at the time when PPP was in power or when PML N was in power, he just relasied and why didnt he raised this issue wehn our PMs were not given proper protocol at US, but we go as beggers to US, then why would President US will take initiative to meet Pakistan PM?
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Sep 04, 2018 09:31am
@Raza He only realised now in PTI government?
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Sep 04, 2018 09:31am
Meeting not need to be cancelled. Pakistan needs to play cool as cucumber, but very firm at the same time. Days of playing the hired guns is over. As IK has stated, we will put Pakistan's interest first and partner with US for piece and NOT for war.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:33am
@Zia Not a good suggestion until IK visit US and US president dont meet him, Rabanni should have spoken about this when PPP and PML was inpower, at that time they all were happy to even greeting Secretary of state on Airports by Pakistani PM
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Sep 04, 2018 09:35am
Imran Khan will be meeting US Secretary of State for the first time,it will do good to Pakistan and PTI Government If he hears directly the US point of view.It will not only apprise him of the US approach but will also enable him to set direction of his foreign policy more realistically. Senator Rabbani should have advised or reminded PPP’s own former PMs Youasf Raza Gilani ,Raja Pervez Ashraf and former President Zardari about protocol when they used to meet US officials much lower than the level of US Secretary of State. He is in the habit of finding fault with everyone less Zardari and PPP.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:38am
PPP and its people always get some ideas when they are not in seat.
What is the real logic behind refusing to talk.And already what had been achieved by PPP and PMLN governments .
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Sep 04, 2018 09:40am
@Modified Its not just about the guts. You have to be careful in diplomatic relations, so my suggestion is do exactly what was done with Iranian FM. Once that part is covered, the conversation and message should be clear.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:41am
Excellent suggestion! The PM must NOT meet US Secretary of State. Let our foreign minister handle the secretary
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Sep 04, 2018 09:44am
Rabbani is only good for one thing; putting in orders to rename all national buildings under Benazir's name regardless if they made it or not.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:44am
Good suggestion but he never suggested t his to zardari or Nawaz Sharif
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Sep 04, 2018 09:53am
Please give good advices to your party to keep high morals and get rid of criminal . Let khan sahib decide what is good for the country. You have finished your tenure and now work for Sindh please .
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Sep 04, 2018 09:55am
Why dont he advises the same to Zardari when they were in power? Rabbani wish more troubles for Imran Khan.
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Sep 04, 2018 09:59am
PPP - please keep ppp like Sarjeel - did you follow that hospitality - let them settle down -will happen this iA.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:00am
Look whos talking
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Sep 04, 2018 10:00am
I hope PM takes this wise advice, this is also standard protocol, the foreign minister post exists for this very purpose and only FM should be meeting Pompeo, its not as if Trump is visiting.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:03am
Mr Rabbani we did not hear you say that when PPP was in power. We have not forgotten Hussain Haqqani. Please stop playing politics and get serious about the future of Pakistan
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Sep 04, 2018 10:08am
Ohh he didn't advised the same to his political leaders(PPP) when they were in charge. Hypocrite. IK met Iranian FM as well, so there is no problem to meet US FM as well. Pakistan US relations should be 'ok' if not good.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:08am
Respect is important in relationship.FM should meet and sort out. This visit PM is not necessary to meet them.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:08am
Naiive advice - PM is the only person in this govt who can speak firmly and without any fear. It is a time we need to have very clear talk and Imran is your man.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:08am
Makes since secretary of state is coming and not the president, he is coming only to inform of the American position, and likewise, the foreign minister should apprise him of the Pakistani position. He is does not have the authority to negotiate much, or make a major announcements, until he reports back, so why should the PM who has the most authority here meet him?
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Sep 04, 2018 10:12am
I agree with Raza Rabbani's this advice.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:25am
Not a good idea at all. Cummunication should not be stopped. Whatever rezervations you have bring it on table. But "Sub se pehle Pakistan". This man comes with all the ideas but he never guided his own party on such issues.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:32am
Rabbani should give this advice to Bilawal Zardari after he becomes a PM.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:33am
This rule followed when PPP was in power? . It seems as long as out of power can talk anything to embarrass others.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:35am
Is he the man who was caught smoking in the "no smoking" zone of parliament?
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Sep 04, 2018 10:36am
A decision in this regard was taken earlier as well in the Senate when Raza Rabbani was Chairman that incoming officials should meet their counter parts in Pakistan.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:41am
Rabbani is known by his anti-army and anti-Imran stance. It is very tricky situation for Khan to believe that Rabbani would be advising him sincerely. Though protocol point makes sense.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:43am
Pompeo is ex CIA director, a member of deep state. He is coming to see how to instigate regime change. We must be very, very careful
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Sep 04, 2018 10:48am
Sensible suggestion. Pompeo status is not at par with the PM and should only meet his counterpart SMQ.
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Sep 04, 2018 10:50am
@Asifnaqvi “...Channels of communication..” at this level and stays it is SMQ who is the channel of communication and not the PM!!
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Sep 04, 2018 10:52am
@Asifnaqvi Protocol!
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Sep 04, 2018 11:04am
Very bad Suggestion, if PM was not to meet Pompeo then it had to be mentioned when the meeting was being planned,it will not serve any purpose to make Americans feel insulted.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:08am
I completely agree. Imran must not meet with Pompeo.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:09am
The PM should meet with the US Secretary of State. We need to streamline communication and not fall prey to protocols and misplaced national ego. Be wise and not emotional
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Sep 04, 2018 11:19am
Please ask him how his government was dealing with the Americans when they were in power. Did the same rules applied to them also ? Did he ask Zardari as well?
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Sep 04, 2018 11:19am
This is how it should be. IK as Prime Minister should only meet the visitors out of courtesy. FM to FM and Army Chief to Army Chief should meet and discuss matters of mutual interest.
Pakistan should make it clear to USA that a Toll Fee of $30000 per truck each time will be charged to USA for its truck transporting its goods from Karachi to Afghanistan. Toll should be pre-paid. No credits.
Pakistan should not accept any AID from USA.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:26am
During the PP government both Gilani and Zardari together were attending to a afpak special representative Richard Holbrooke in the president house, even during Richard's press conference they use to stand by him. Rabbani the fake statesman should visit PP government performance archive before saying anything like this and misguide people.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:38am
@Magnanimous approach
Mr. Magnanimous approach,
But Benazir Zardari always got advices
from the USA and she did accordingly.
Mr. Raza Rabbani war very close to her.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:43am
I disagree. IK should not receive for sure but he should definitely meet so that our FM doesn't get bullied by US. IK will make sure that US knows Pakistan won't be bullied anymore and his first meeting with Pompeo will set that tone for the next 5 years. Later on, whether he meets or not will be situational.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:43am
Raza Rabbani just made sure that IK has to meet Pompeo now.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:45am
And Rabbani is saying that because PPP was so successful in foreign relations? Please spare us Mr. Rabbani, Pakistan needs to be build foreign relations not break them.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:48am
Let Imran decide
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Sep 04, 2018 11:49am
This will be a good decision. I have no information that Mr. trump meet with our premiere since holding the president office ... I really appreciate Mr. Rabanni suggestion.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:53am
Very good decision but not practically applicable.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:59am
Had Rabbani made any such suggestion in the last ten years ?
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Sep 04, 2018 12:02pm
Will somebody stop the politicians of the past FAILED governments of PPP and PMLN from advising the PTI government?
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Sep 04, 2018 12:06pm
That is the appropriate stance to take. Even Pompeo was snubbed by North Korean leader during his last visit to Pyoung Yang, since Trump-Kim summit Singapore. Americans have offended the North Koreans by bullying them and making unreasonable demands about their Nuclear Program. Same tactics being applied against Pakistan.
Hence IK would be wise to not grant an audience to Trump's underling or listen to any lectures from him.
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Sep 04, 2018 12:11pm
I don't know how many in Pakistan realize the current state of affair in the country. The situation demands that the Pakistani leadership meets whoever they can, to facilitate them getting money for the country, all this false bravado at such a critical juncture is useless.
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Sep 04, 2018 12:15pm
Who is Raza Rabbani to advice PM Imran Khan not to meet US's Pompeo? As there is no harm discussing mutual interests and regional situation - meaningful dialogues and exchanging views is the only way forward and will help to resolve differences implacably. I also say to Raza Rabbani, help Asjf Zardari to come out of his self conflicted troubles!
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Sep 04, 2018 12:15pm
I think this is a Perfect suggestion based upon International diplomatic rules too , any visiting state official is met by the host nation's counter part and it is not wrong either no matter from which state the visitor is . The two visiting gentlemen should be received by their counter part Pakistani foreign minister to meet USA sec of state and gen Bajwa to the USA military chief .
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Sep 04, 2018 12:17pm
His own leaders were going to US without protocols but he wants IK not to meet him in Pakistan we are in this situation because of your governments
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Sep 04, 2018 12:22pm
Yes, this is the correct thing to do. Only Nawaz and Zardari will go out of their way to meet SoS Pompeo.
After giving us dhamki and stopping what is rightly ours, there is no reason to meet him. Moreso, IK must control his urge to talk to the US and NATO and give his thoughtful insight to the FM Queshi. Salams
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Sep 04, 2018 12:33pm
IK should meet the foreign secretary and should firmly reproach the hegemonic US policies. PPP is again resorting to dirty politics here. Height of sublime insincerity this is
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Sep 04, 2018 12:37pm
Very good . This will finally be the last mail on the coffin.
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Sep 04, 2018 12:37pm
I guess it is a very good suggestion but I also think that this time only our PM along with his team should give them the real picture of Pakistan's sacrifices. If that too doesn't work then from next time it should be "No more... first listen to us"
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Sep 04, 2018 12:39pm
Why didn't he give such advice when his own family run, family-oriented and family-centric so-called political party "PPP" was in power for many years in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?
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Sep 04, 2018 12:45pm
Why didnot he advice the same on Memogate scandal?
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Sep 04, 2018 12:47pm
Agree 100% based on solid facts; good to see Opposition giving good advice and serving national interests
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Sep 04, 2018 01:06pm
Ok. Will IK bell the cat? And expect IMF to bail out with huge restructuring package ?
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Sep 04, 2018 01:09pm
Meet or not to meet depends upon the gravity of the situation, not protocol, not the personal desire of PM, or advice of fake liberal hypocritical senators like Robani who never utters a word against corruption. The PM will decide after expert advice from his advisers, the armed forces, defence, foreign and finance ministers and the intellegence agencies.
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Sep 04, 2018 01:16pm
Raza Rabbami has given a very valid suggestion. I hope PTI listen to him and show some dignity.
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Sep 04, 2018 01:27pm
what a great advice, instead of SMQ, he should be the ideal FM. even if not, the PTI govt need to give preference to him to lead the talks with US, after all it is a question of national security, no need to play politics or send the less capable to meet the US team which is so vastly experienced, we need someone who is mentally tough and bold.
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Sep 04, 2018 01:36pm
AGREE 100% with Rabbani.
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Sep 04, 2018 01:45pm
Surprising I agree with Rabbani's advice, PM shouldn't meet Pompeo. They want to talk, they can talk with our foreign minister, who is his positions counterpart. It'll send them give them a message, we are no longer their servants.
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Sep 04, 2018 01:53pm
We shouldn't irk the americans too much. Pakistan is in no position to confront U.S.
Look at whats happening to the Turkish economy.
All non allied nations need to establish their own trading currency.
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Sep 04, 2018 01:58pm
Rabbani speaks like an illiterate. PM need not go and receive the US representative. He also need not go and meet them. But if they come to meet PM, can he object. Its ridiculous.
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Sep 04, 2018 02:04pm
Big mistake - he should meet him and convey his message - don’t act like America without American power - be realistic
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Sep 04, 2018 02:28pm
Good suggestion. I think the American visitors' should be received but some high ranking civil servant and driven to meet the FM for their scheduled rendezvous and PM should definitely not receive them on arrival!
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Sep 04, 2018 02:48pm
I think that a seasoned politician like Mr Raza Rabbani should be more practical and realistic in his approach. There may be grey areas in US-Pakistan relationship, but we should always acknowledge the contribution of United States in the overall military, economic and industrial development of Pakistan since 1947. In the present geo-political environment, we should think holistically that either do they need us or do we need them more??? No Head of Government of Pakistan just cannot afford not to meet the US Secretary of State. By the way how many Heads of Government of the world visiting the United States are actually received by the US President at Andrews Air Force Base?
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Sep 04, 2018 03:48pm
What a totally irresponsible statement.Pakistan at the moment is facing economic crisis.Rabbani should know this.
If not Imran Khan then who? Does Rabbani want to meet Pompeo?
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Sep 04, 2018 03:51pm
Wrong advice.
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Sep 04, 2018 04:06pm
I totally Agree with Rabbani. Thank you to take a stand for Pakistan. Dear Primer please do not meet him.
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Sep 04, 2018 04:19pm
Meeting as courtesy should be alright. But any detailed discussion must be had with the foreign minister. Not only for protocol but also because the foreign minister is more informed on these matters.
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Sep 04, 2018 05:56pm
First step to spoil relationship!!
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Sep 04, 2018 06:27pm
Despite that I agree with the idea, State visits usually plan well ahead of the time along with the agenda and other details. Any unilateral last minute change will project Pakistan as unprofessional and rude (which we are not).
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Sep 04, 2018 07:31pm
As in politics, rhetoric and reality are not always same. We are currently in NO position to take such a stand.However, i do agree with the merit of his statement.
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Sep 04, 2018 07:39pm
Stay out, Rabbani. Let the new PK calmly handle the visit firmly.
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Sep 04, 2018 07:42pm
Only PM and his party should decide to meet or not to meet.
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Sep 04, 2018 11:11pm
@Asifnaqvi It's never a diplomacy when dealing with rogue USA. It's always blackmailing. If a country has any integrity and respect for its own people, rebuke the rogue USA.
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Sep 05, 2018 12:02am
Completely agree with Rabbani I suggested the same thing two weeks ago in my comment. Pompeo is no body not to give him this type of status. They are red neck bullies they only respect you when you push them back and show them their place. Imran will loose his respect if he meets Pompeo. Pakistanis need to be bold, strong and smart. Play by their game just like they don’t meet our pm. Show some respect and strength not your weakness. Don’t lower your self.
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Sep 05, 2018 02:00am
good suggestion
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Sep 05, 2018 03:04am
The visitors should take an appointment ticket and wait for their turn, as is the custom in US for all unscheduled and not prearranged meetings. I am sure there is a waiting room next to PM's office.
Also, the security personal search is mandatory, as is the custom in all civilized countries these days.
But treat them with respect, after they have followed the usual protocol.
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Sep 05, 2018 03:09am
If the USA president has no time to meet the country that assisted in reduction of terrorism then i advice that PM Imran Khan declines to meet Mr Pompei . Afterall the false promises of the hypocritical state to meet Coalition Funding targets has not lived upto its fulfilment and instead boasts of assisting Pakistan yet backstabbing Pakistan to stop world bank funds. They must be taught a lesson of respect
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Sep 05, 2018 05:08am
Well said, protocols should be followed who ever is in the government and we need to stand firm on our rights and not to bow in front of others for the sake of funds. Government should consider this suggestion and act wisely.
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Sep 05, 2018 12:01pm
IF I remember correctly how in their own tenure they were worshiping second rated officials of USA
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Sep 05, 2018 04:12pm
When Pompeo visits India, he will be meeting the ladyministers for home affairs and Defence. He is not going to meet Narendra Modi.
Will IK resist the meeting with Pompeo? Good luck. Hang on tough !!
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Sep 05, 2018 04:40pm
Coalition Support Fund (CSF) is American's money. How can Pakistan complaint if today they withdraw the fund. Americans have all the rights to decide what is best suited for them. If Pakistan government is not happy, they can also stop delivering what Americans want.
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Sep 05, 2018 05:10pm
Rabbani has a valid point. No Pakistani Foreighn Minister has ever been received by US President except ZAB was received by JFK in 1962.
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Sep 05, 2018 07:35pm
Wise advise, look following two situations & think:
- Trump not met to NS in his US visit
- These two guys will be entertained by FM Sushmaji & DM Nirmala ji
Protocol matters
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Sep 05, 2018 08:14pm
@Ali1
Mr. Ali1,
Mr. Raza Rabbani and people like him are not
for solutions but for creating the problems.
He doesn't feel shame.
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Sep 05, 2018 08:39pm
And what would anybody gain by a boycott - bad idea
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Sep 05, 2018 10:15pm
We should refuse the aid to begin with. We need to do what is in our best interest with our own money. And invite US companies to invest in Pakistan.
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Sep 05, 2018 10:31pm
well, he can say whatever he wants. After all he is not required to solve fiscal problems.
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Sep 05, 2018 10:36pm
I wouldn't take any advice on how to run the country from PPP or PML-N people. Look what a mess was left for PTI to clean up after their ten years. Thanks but no thanks Mr. Rabbani.
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Sep 05, 2018 11:50pm
I am not a diplomat but I know you never cut off links. Particularly if a senior official from the most advanced and richest country in the world is visiting one of the poorest countries in the world. Silly suggestion from a party that is irrelevant. When Hillary Clinton came to Pakistan during PPP rule, she met Gilani and Zardari. PPP leadership should focus on the dire situation in Sindh. Education, health, security, water, electricity all require immediate attention. How about that?
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Sep 06, 2018 09:10am
This is a silly and childish comment by Rabbani. Who has asked him anyway? Talking about the protocols, an individual senator like Rabbani should refrain from giving parallel narratives when the foreign dignitaries are in town for diplomacy. PM Imran Khan have just met with FM Zarif of Iran the other day. He also met with Saudi, UAE, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysian Ambassadors among other. Rabbani, or anyone else to that matter, didn’t say a thing then. Why this sudden tummy ache now?
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Sep 06, 2018 10:40am
Did you give the same advice to Gilani and Pervaiz Ashraf also? I saw Gilani in USA every second week.
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