I think our government needs to accept the reality that every state does what it sees best for its own interest.
ISLAMABAD: This refers to the news report “PM urges Obama to end drone strikes”, published in your newspaper on October 24. Everybody is so keen about the outcome of our prime minister’s visit to the US. In this regard, our media, as usual, has created much hype about the issues, especially drone strikes, the Afghanistan situation, India’s role in the region and our economy. No doubt the visit was very important for both sides, especially since America wants a safe exit from Afghanistan in 2014 and that is not possible without Pakistan’s full cooperation. Similarly, Pakistan wants an end to drone strikes which is a violation of its sovereignty and is also seeking economic assistance.
I think our government needs to accept the reality that every state does what it sees best for its own interest and that the most practical approach is to identify common interests with another state and work towards achieving a shared objective. Our policymakers should plan comprehensively for a broader strategy, which can address all these issues but not at the cost of our sovereignty. Our dealing with other states should be on an equal footing while keeping in mind that priority should be given to our own national interests.
Sobia Amir
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2013.
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