PRIME Minister Imran Khan has said that there is a need to review all international agreements, treaties and engagements in the backdrop of what is beneficial for our country based on mutual respect.

Ever since America began its war in Afghanistan with a coalition of 49 other countries including Pakistan, this country provided logistic support and a land route to Afghanistan. In the process, Pakistan was the worst sufferer, losing more than the rest of the coalition combined.

In the US view, now if for any reason Pakistan is not coming to their terms related to Afghanistan, or not lending an ear to their stereotyped mantra of ‘do more’, the coalition support funds can be stopped or cancelled. Every few months, we hear America’s announcement that the reimbursement of these funds has been stopped or cancelled due to this country’s non-compliance.

It would be very reasonable if Pakistan proposed or demanded a change in this the coalition support fund payment agreement from a reimbursement clause to advance payment; our relationship should not turn sour on small issues. As funds are involved, the US uses them as a foreign policy tool.

The sooner the better for rebuilding a relationship with Pakistan on mutually-agreed terms.

Asif Ali Khan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2018