THERE has always been an element of trust and mistrust between Pakistan and the US, especially keeping in view the situation in Afghanistan. On many occasions, both Islamabad and Washington have showed their willingness to work together to combat terrorism.

However, America’s myopic Afghan-focused approach has proved a stumbling block in their journey towards cooperation.

There is no denying the fact that peace in Afghanistan is in the long-term interest of Pakistan. But Islamabad’s valid concerns with reference to the future of Afghanistan must be adequately addressed by Washington in order to seek the latter’s help in the war-battered country.

The Trump administration should treat Pakistan as a partner, for its role in an Afghan peace process is vital.

Sadly, the US administration has been exerting economic pressure on Pakistan, which is a negative approach, for it can add fuel to fire.

In his book Pakistan: a Hard Country, Anatol Leiven puts it clearly by saying: “Economic sanctions are not really a credible threat, because the economic collapse of Pakistan would play straight into the hands of the Taliban and Al Qaeda.”

Mohammad Tabasum Malhan

Ghotki

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2019