Pakistan government’s bold rejoinder to USA in reply to its warning about our relations with Iran in general and the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project in particular is highly appreciable. Showing complete disregard for our sovereignty the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Pakistan the other day that ‘it would face serious consequences if it continues to deal with Iran’. With Pakistan having given to USA all the friendship and cooperation, the Obama administration’s attitude of treating us like an American colony is atrocious. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s stern reply that Pakistan being an independent country would make decisions which served its interests and that the United States should not interfere in the country’s internal matters must serve as a counter warning to USA.
The PM also asked the US to restrain from meddling in Pakistan saying such attitude generated anti-Americanism in the country. Let it be known to the whole world that besides being a neighbour Iran is Pakistan’s closest friend. History will show that Iran jumped to help Pakistan whenever the country was in trouble. To support the PM’s point about generation of anti-Americanism, I am sure the feelings already exist among the people to a large extent. I will go as far as saying that if a referendum is held to choose one out of USA and Iran, the people of Pakistan will surely vote for Iran. In the end I will advise USA to burry its anti-Iran policy, establish peace in the Middle East and regain its lost popularity.
RAFI NASIM,
Lahore, March 3.