This is in response to the report published in the national and international press that the US is restoring its $ 1.6 billion in military and economic assistance to Pakistan. After the Abbottabad incident, the US stopped most of its military assistance to our country. It seems that both countries are once again coming closer to counter terrorism in this region. One must acknowledge the current scenario: the US itself is facing an economic crisis, even then it is providing assistance for military, economic and social development in Pakistan. The relationship between both countries has gone through ups and downs but it has never been abandoned. One must sense that it is the US that has given us access to the biggest market in order to revive Pakistan’s economy and has started dozens of projects in Pakistan including energy, health and education.
On the other hand, the US must acknowledge that it is Pakistan that was, is and will remain its greatest ally in efforts for the elimination of terrorist spots in this region, which directly links to international security. Therefore, any hitch or setback in this relationship can have disastrous consequences for both countries. Since the US, along with other international security forces, is leaving Afghanistan by the end of 2014, the assistance being provided for military hardware will ultimately help both countries to achieve their targets and to make the world safer.
JAVED ALI KALHORO,
Islamabad, October 21.