US-Pak relations are better placed today than they were three years ago; US is not opposed to CPEC which is a good project; America’s support to Pakistan’s democracy is well-documented.
These views were expressed by US Consul General, Lahore, Zachary Harkenrider, during an on-the-record roundtable on his views on the US-Pakistan relationship that was attended by a select group of media seniors here on Thursday.
The C.G said, “I’m fairly optimistic about US-Pakistan ties as peaceful initiation of political process between the two countries has been quite conducive to promoting the mutual relations. We have also worked together on Afghanistan and other issues and discussions have been undertaken with quite a frequency with high calibre in both the political and military sectors. And they have been quite helpful and would be helpful in future as well”.
“Those who say that the US-Pakistan ties are at their all-time low, are altogether wrong. It is not true. US-Pak relations are better placed today than they were three years ago. One hundred and eighty degrees reality is that the shock absorption capacity has increased and trend-lines are far more positive on both sides than ever before. Moreover, things are being looked at positively and strategically and in addition to defence cooperation, we have moved forward in other key areas also like trade and people to people contact.
“Our commitment and aim is to facilitate economic growth and to see to it how do we foster stability in the region and how do we create regional economic connectivity. It is in this backdrop that we are not opposed to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in any way as is being wildly guessed by certain circles on the plea that US has gone closer to India in the recent days. Besides helping in solving the energy problem, CPEC would also ensure regional economic integration. This is all good. There is nothing in CPEC that is of concern to us”.
Answering a question about the drone strikes in which some hardened militants, especially former Afghan Taliban commander Mulla Mansoor were killed, the Consul General said that there have been longstanding conversations at senior levels between the military and political circles of both the United States and Pakistan specifically on the question ‘what we need to do”. “And there is no deeper story about it”.
“Obviously, we understand that it is not a question of only Pakistan acting to eliminate terrorism. We too have a role in eliminating terrorism. ”.
The C.G was also asked about the usual scepticism that prevails in some influential circles of Washington about Haqqani network. The American diplomat said: “As for Haqqani network, we are sceptical that it has a stronghold in the Pak-Afghan border region but we welcomed Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) General Raheel Sharif’s statement and commended him for his encouraging statement that Pakistani soil would not be allowed to be used by anyone against others”.
When he was asked about John McCain’s reported statement on COAS General Raheel Sharif’s extension, the C.G said that McCain was totally misquoted. What were his remarks about the visit of the Chairman Armed Services Committee? The C.G replied, “The visit was very positive as dynamic conversations took place. And McCain is a strong advocate of Pakistan. As regards the issue of General Raheel Sharif’s extension, it is not an issue for the United States to take a position on it”.
Answering a question about the failed Turkish coup, he said, “We have publicly criticised the coup attempt as we stand for democracy. As regards Pakistan’s democracy, it is a known fact that our support to Pakistan’s democracy is well-documented”.
Replying to yet another query, Zach said, “ I don’t see broad divergences between White House, Pentagon and State Department”. As regards a possible American role in the region in general and Afghanistan in particular in the context of ties between Pakistan and India, “We are ideally placed to play a role. Afghanistan is an issue we discuss not only with Pakistan but also with India”. At this juncture, he added, “Afghanistan issue is a big challenge to peace and stability”.
The C.G laughed when asked about the term ‘new strategic paradigm’. The C.G said he could only reply jokingly that it was all philosophy. When asked to explain as to who would be Harkenrider’s successor after he leaves the office during the current month, the C.G said that Yurry Fedkiw would be joining the Lahore Consulate next month as Consul General Lahore.
