CHICAGO: President Asif Ali Zardari has met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai in the first bilateral meetings held by the Pakistani delegation on the sidelines of the Nato summit on Sunday.
Earlier the president arrived in Chicago on Saturday afternoon (Central Time) to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Summit 2012.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Farhatullah Babar, the president's spokesperson said that the meeting between Karzai and Zardari lasted 45 minutes, wherein the two discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.
"Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed in principle today to extend the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement beyond Afghanistan to countries in Central Asia. The decision, the modalities of which will be worked out, was taken today at the Zardari-Karzai meeting in Chicago on the sidelines of NATO summit when President Karzai welcomed the Pakistani President's proposal to this effect," said the spokesperson.
Zardari was scheduled to meet Nato Secretary General Fogh Rasmussen on Saturday. However, officials told The Express Tribune that it had been cancelled. A Nato public affairs official said that the meeting had been cancelled due to agenda reasons.
A Pakistan embassy spokesperson explained that the President's plane had been delayed, and that the meeting will be rescheduled. "We are in touch with NATO for rescheduling the meeting."
Zardari's plane had landed only two hours before the announcement for the meeting's cancellation was issued.
A spokesperson for the Embassy of Pakistan told The Express Tribune that the president would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani.
Zardari had been scheduled to meet Clinton and Karzai on the sidelines of the summit.
However, a source said it was unlikely that there would be a bilateral meeting between US President Barack Obama and the Pakistani president.
On Thursday, White House National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, in a press briefing, did not comment on whether the two premiers would be meeting one-on-one, however he said they would meet during the Nato summit meetings.
The President is also due to meet Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday and is scheduled to attend a dinner of non-Nato partner countries.
COMMENTS (48)
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@Brajanarayan:
Always amusing to get advice like this from somebody who has managed to swallow the BJP doctine of Partition history without even blinking. All the best, my friend.
Hasan
Dear “what is the truth”,
This summit is not about finding ways to keep hostility and anger alive towards each other. Our differences only add to the challenges that come with the WOT. It’s time we find a find a way to create a common ground and look forward to ironing out our differences. The meeting of our officials in this summit is a step in the right direction. We are hopeful that this meeting will prompt our nations to bury the hatchet and instead focus on issues that are preventing us from achieving our common objectives. The coming days should also clarify the terms pertaining to the reopening of the NATO supply line through Pakistan. But what is clear is that we cannot allow our common enemies to further their evil agenda by taking advantage of our situation. We cannot let our differences grow to a level that could overshadow our ultimate goal of bringing peace and stability to the region.
@Brajanarayan:
Meanwhile, back in the real world, the Khan of Kalat signed the article of accession to Pakistan along with the remaining princely states that comprised modern-day Balochistan in 1948. There was no doctored paperwork, no back-dated signature, and no sectarian bloodlust, as was seen in Kashmir.
You would do well to remember that, my friend.
Hasan
""What I would say is, frankly, the types of issues that are being worked through about the reopening of the supply lines are not the type of issues that get hammered out at the presidential level. These are things that working-level negotiating teams sit down and address."" Guardian re Obama Zardai meet. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now read the above story:"“Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed in principle today to extend the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement beyond Afghanistan to countries in Central Asia. The decision, the modalities of which will be worked out, was taken today at the Zardari-Karzai meeting in Chicago on the sidelines of NATO summit"
@ Hasan, while talking on Hyderabad and Kashmir, don't forget that Pakistan has also occupied Balochistan, when Baloch assembly had passed resolution in 1947 to merge with India and Pak army have invaded and occupied that beautiful piece of land.
what about Pakistan's 'hafta' demand for $5000 per container, with no responsibility for security?
@WhatisThetruth: The Truth is we can't survive by offending the 45+ NATO countries. The harsh realities can't be changed by writing comments on newspaper blogs.
@Hasan: It's good to note that you have a job. We keep hearing Pakistan is in dire straits. Secondly if you think an Arab Spring will happen in Kashmir I think you are grossly mistaken because only Kashmiris who have nothing to do have resorted to violence with support from across the border. Lastly these elements have to be dealt appropriately and this is a lesson for Pakistan on how to deal with terrorists and lawless people within your own borders. This is not abuse of power. It is about maintaing law and order.
@Hasan:
Arab spring was aimed to dethrone the dictators and bring democracy. All dictators including that of Pakistan abuse power. Democracy is an insurance against perpetual abuse of power such as 11-years of dictatorships by each of your beloved Ayub, Zia and Musharraf.
It is unfortunate that Muslims Kashmirs of valley had been rejecting the constitutional democracy for which their Arab brothers had to struggle.
Things have been changing recently in Kashmir as in the last three election, participation was almost 80% which is way above average for India.
The source and inspiration for Arab spring could be traced to the democratic countries like India.
Pakistan to should rid itself of the sin of facilitating the hunger, death, violence and continued destruction of a neighboring Muslim nation. Pakistan is ready to send two battalions to protect the Saudi Royal family in the name of Islam but can't bring itself to have a conscience over the continued horrific violence to what was meant to be their Muslim Afghan brothers. It's sad that Pakistan need to depend on the death of people in war torn Afghanistan for self reassurance. Continue to be okay with the deeds of the Pakistani nation against the history of Afghanistan. But please don't expect other to show sympathy for your dead soldiers. It's hypocrisy, people won't accept believe your so called value on human life. They'll interpret it instead as you trying to push your weight around. Pakistan needs to realize that the infliction of such horrible pain on the Afghan people without any remorse will bring the same reality to them in more ways than one. And that includes the United States refusing to apologize.
Why aircraft was delayed. Nobody waits here for such brats.... Wonder what will he achieve with his reputation for state of governance & popularity at home. That is always an important factor in such meetings.
and said what?
Zardari is street smart when it comes to domestic and international politics and his good relations with all Afghan groups can help Pakistan find new friends there rather than putting all eggs in one basket of Taliban.
@Aarvey,india:
No, obviously I have a job - which means unlike you, I can't spend every minute obsessing over Pakistani websites. We're flattered at your interest in our nation though!
To answer your question, which is again off-topic, the Arab Spring should have educated the whole world on the perils of abusing power - it's a shame your Maharaja didn't learn this, because this is what brought about the subsequent liberaton struggle. Thanks for teh question.
Hasan
@Aarvey: Take two states into consideration. First, Ruler of Hyderabad was Muslim and population was Hindus(most wanted to follow their ruler decision) and wanted to accede to Pakistan. Ur country send forces and captured it. Secondly, Ruler of Kashmir was non-Muslim and population was Muslim and they wanted acession with Pak. again. But Indians again captured it.
Will you please define ur old rulers concept of Indo-Pak seperation as stated in 3rd July Plan?
@great: Zardari should stay there with the dictator Musharraf who brought him in ! Both have been bad!
@Hasan: obviously you donthave an answer to a valid question that I have raised.
@ hisar: "hah.. some generals cancels meeting with the president. Typical of our respect.."
If you read the article, the meeting with the Secretary General, (the CIVILIAN leader of NATO - most countries and international organizations have civilian leaders, but your ignorance on this can be forgiven since that's not the norm in Pakistan), was canceled due to your President's tardiness. Showing up on time for a meeting would make it a lot easier to show your President the proper respect he deserves... So would opening up the supply lines to 40 of your allies.
@Hasan: Can u explain the incursions into Kashmir in 1947 which prompted a vacillating maharaja to accede Kashmir to India? Please illuminate us with your wisdom!
Sir please don't look here or there and only focus on what is good for the country and its foreign relationships. We don't need any Sand Bags or safe heavens. Democracy is the only way out.
@great: A good advice. The President according to conservative estimate has properties and acounts worth 10 billion dollars at abroad with 9 properties each at US and UK respectively. However, he should move to either of the countries before his term as President ends since the pro-active judiciary who is gunning for him spoils his party.
NATO Secretary General is reported to have stated that he would give a couple of clear messages to Zardari. “Clear messages,” are likely to be: 1) Open NATO supply routes without any apology, without any enhanced transit fee, or any fuss whatsoever or face the wrath of NATO forces. 2) Keep fighting with the militants (so both your army and the militants destroy each other making you weaker so we can dictate terms to the Pak Army) or be ready for more Salala like attacks, more drone assaults, and possibly strike at your nuclear installations to make them dysfunctional. 4) “We would push militants, like Mullah Fazal’Allah and his band out of Afghanistan to Pakistan, like we did with a NATO air cover and help the kill Chitral Scouts in August 2011. So, then we would like you to “do more” to kill the same militants. So be prepared.”
Best Wishes Mr. President!
A clear message could possibly be: “We would push militants, like Mullah Fazal’Allah and his band out of and across Afghanistan to Pakistan, like we did with a NATO air cover and killed Chitral Scouts in August 2011. So then we would like you to “do more” to kill the same militants.” Other “Clear messages,” are likely to be: 1) Open NATO supply routes without any apology, any enhanced transit fee, or any fuss whatsoever or face the wrath of NATO forces. 2) Keep fighting with the militants (so both your army and the militants destroy each other making you weaker so we can dictate terms to the Pak Army) or be ready for more Salala like attacks, more drone assaults, and possibly strike at your nuclear installations to make them dysfunctional. 3) Nevertheless, we do wish for a prosperous and safe Pakistan.
What a smile.... :-)
@Brajanarayan:
Completely off-topic and factually incorrect.
a) Pakistan doesn't need to spend another penny on the liberation of Kashmir; with the abysmal record of your security forces, particularly against women and schoolchildren, the Kashmiris will eventually win their fight against Brahmin domination.
b) the regional hostility in the subcontinent was intiated by Hindustan - your leaders hated the idea of Muslim independence, and you hated its geographical manifestation. Vast amounts of resources were withheld from the nascent country, despite international commitments.
c) Hindustan has only itself to blame for Kashmir. It was state brutality that lost half the province in the first place, and it's the same brutality that currently jeopardises the rest of it. The tribals only made great gains in Kashmir because they had massive popular support.
d) thank you for your prayers. Likewise, our prayers are with all the non-Brahmin Hindustanis who seem to facing an imending wave of crippling poverty in what is already a desperately poor, backward country.
Hasan
This government led by AZ lacks credibility and has no more any support within the masses. When such a situation exists, it is Pakistan which stands to lose. The sooner we have a more representative popular government, the better it would be for our national interest and state sovereignty. The way a CNN reporter treated our convicted PM should open our eyes.
Did he arrive there un invited ? Wont surprise me.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: and others
Most of the money doled out to Pakistan is gobbled up by the Military.
You should be asking Khakis if they can live with out dollars and high tech toys.
Good Luck Mr President!
You're the only one who is keeping all Pakistan united, despite resistance from enemies within.
@WhatisThetruth: Start with having all your money in Pakistani Banks, and ask your relatives to send all there assets to Pakistan
All these people in Pakistan complaining about NATO and supplies, they should voluntarily give money to the Govt of Pakistan and than refuse to allow the transit. Same goes for the Pakistanis living in the West and screaming against the US and NATO open your accounts in Pakistan not Dubai Put your money where your mouth is or shut up
The mess that Pakistan is in is not due to Zardari or the civilian government. The mess is due to the army with its insatiable demand for military aid and weapons, its control of foreign policy and its constant deliberate destabilisation of civilian governments. The mess is also due to the mullahs and the militants who are holding the country hostage through fear and who are providing bases to foreign terrorists and mercenaries to attack other countries. It is time that Pakistanis faced up to these facts and stopped deluding themselves.
hah.. some generals cancels meeting with the president. Typical of our respect..
@Logic Europe: Good sarcasm!
@ WhatisThetruth. Not only we can, we should survive without US aid. I think Americans will be more happy if we stand on our feet and refuse help from them. But it does not mean that we do not need friendship of USA or any other country for that matter and would live alone, confined to our borders. We must have excellent and relations with all nations and countries for our own sake and sake of future generations.
he just wants to go on foreign trips. waste our tax money.
ZARDARI is master ,he will,beat all and will serve the interest of Pakistan jai ZARDARI ,jai PPP , please keep guiding Pakistan to a new era
Four trucks across durand line = economy class ticket to Chicago
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui You are right and truthful. You need money and technology. In order to fight against India for Kashmir, you need all these. So you will have to tolerate all these atrocities. Pakistan would have been a completely different country if it would have decided to live as friend to India from 1947 but as soon as it got freedom it started to prove its military strength by sending tribals into J&K, and initiated a long process of hostility, which burns till today and it is never-ending. Let us have patience to wait and see what is next to come.May Allah bless the people of Pakistan and its rulers with wisdom. @Mahmood Your President is a visionary and is a very practical person.Have faith in him.Plz don't believe in the false promises coming from other quarters within Pakistan.
That's a subtle way of informing Zardari and Pakistan that all is not forgiven/forgotten -- the American's may grudgingly do business with you but your no longer considered a true ally.
Enjoy your trip at our expense and don't worry about an outcome, no one is holding their breath. We are just sweating bullets here anyway!
We can survive without the US. We can survive without agreeing to NATO supply lines opening. We can survive without US aid. It is only our leaders that make us look this weak.
Great news!!! Now which hotel is he and his entourage staying at on Lake Shore Drive or Michigan Avenue?? Who is he meeting?? HH, His private bankers, His Lawyers and His Tax consultants?? I would like consult them too for advice on tax-effective wealth plans. You must fill us in on the activity of our Great Leader and Helmsman.
Despite all issues within country related you Mr president. I pray to Almighty ALLAH to grant you a vision, a fighting soul to fight our case efficiently and fruitfully
In the NATO summit, NATO Chief will once again apologies to Pakistan on Salala incident which will pave the way for opening of NATO supply ground routes from Pakistan to Afghanistan.
Obama (of US) in any case will not apologies to Zardari (of Pakistan) during the meeting.
We are born to succumb to the injuries, as we don't have self respect neither we want to.
What we want is money, money and money, no matter what happen, as we are salable to any one.
During the last regime this was done by Musharraf and in PPP's regime it will be done by Zardari.
Money speaks louder than actions and words.
Please stay there.