PRIME Minister Yousuf Raza Gilanis insistence that NATO forces should not leave Afghanistan in haste, implying that they prolong their presence, flies in the face of the prevailing understanding that they would withdraw in 2011 to give back the Afghan people their freedom. It appears that Mr Gilanis disposition to toe the covert Western line to stay put in the country got the better of his sense of proportion, making him blind to the importance of a free Afghanistan to Pakistans own security paradigm. It should be clear to him that the Western forces have been unable to establish peace and security in Afghanistan. Except for causing a great deal of collateral damage and consequently provoking a backlash from the brave Afghans, hardly anything positive has been done. How could the Prime Minister overlook the fact that continued presence of the foreign forces would only strengthen the resolve of the resistance to fight them out. Therefore, it is necessary that pressure must be built on the US and its allies to pack up and leave soon rather than prolong their stay indefinitely. Their continued presence could spell more trouble not only for the war-torn country but also for Pakistan and themselves. We have been witness to the deadly spill-over effect of the war in Afghanistan that has virtually brought us to our knees in terms of our economy and security. The guerrilla groups, based there, seeing us as the frontline ally turned their guns towards us and continue to target us with fierce energy. And because of the invasion, the US thinks it has the right to flex its military muscle acting as a bully. The drone attacks destroy life and property and make a mockery of Pakistans sovereignty, and similarly the do- more rubbish is manifestation of this strategy. Besides, the tremendous suffering of the Afghan masses caught in the line of fire, dying from bombs, disease and hunger calls for an early exit. There should be little doubt that Afghanistans freedom from the US clutches would be a real blessing for the region. The Afghan National Army along with the state apparatus, including the police, is already active and could serve as the right substitute for the occupying forces. Likewise, with the Loya Jirga trying to play a lead role in Afghan national reconciliation, there is reason to believe that the democratic process will move ahead, once the troops are gone. What we need to worry about, however, is the Indian attempt at making inroads into Afghan politics and power structure aimed at sparking unrest in Pakistan.