US Congress hearing

A recent US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee rightly discussed issues concerning Pakistan and the repercussions of admitting India to the Nuclear Suppliers Group at the expense of Pakistan. The senators were of the view that doing so will disturb the strategic balance in the region and start a nuclear arms race. They expressed satisfaction over the safety and security of the nuclear facilities in Pakistan. They also opposed any sanctions on Pakistan. Some senators questioned the viability of the CPEC due to the large-scale Chinese involvement in the project.

The US has always dealt with Pakistan through the prism of their own interests. Be it the Afghan war against the Soviet Union or the war against terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11, American interests prevailed in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Once the American interests are met, Pakistan is left in the lurch. The recent strategic alliance of the US with India is a cause of concern to Pakistan. The preferential treatment towards India has certainly made American intentions known to Pakistan. The US wants to contain China by boosting up India. Pakistan should no longer rely on such a seasonal friend. Instead, Pakistan should look at the option of making partnerships with Russian and China.

M Sayyad Alam Khan

Peshawar