New strategy for future relations with US almost finalised

Islamabad to adopt a 'tit-for-tat' policy

KARACHI: The work on a new strategy for future relations with the United States has entered an important phase as Pakistan is gradually finalising its policy keeping in view the international situation and Donald’s Trump new policy.

The federal government will take the parliament, cabinet and national security committee into confidence before adopting the strategy after which Islamabad will have a dialogue with US in light of this new policy.

The most important point of this policy will be a ‘tit for tat' policy under which Pakistan will respond according to US behavior, sources revealed.

Pakistan’s leadership has conveyed a clear-cut message during the visit of the US defence secretary that if the Trump government did not change its policy of demanding ‘do-more’ and blame game, Pakistan will also change its policy of relations and cooperation with the US.

Important federal sources said that the most important circles of the government relevant to foreign policy are reviewing the ups and downs in the relations between the two countries.



Sources said that the US has not shown any seriousness in trying to attempt to improve relations with Pakistan. Trump administration always demands ‘do-more’ for action against Haqqani network and asks Pakistan to take action against terrorist safe heavens. However, Pakistan has clarified that its land has almost been cleansed of terrorists’ networks.

Sources also revealed that in response to Trump administration’s demands, Pakistan’s leadership demanded list and information about these terrorists and their hideouts which the US alleges are operating from Pakistani soil. But the US did not provide any evidence or comprehensive information.

Islamabad has also told US authorities that India's role for peace in Afghanistan was not acceptable. On this, the United States has assured Pakistan that it wants to expand its relations and will address Pakistan’s reservations through dialogue.

The country has already started expanding its economic relations with China, Russia and other countries with the top priority being the timely completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Sources stated that the US and India are opposing CPEC from different angles while Pakistan has rejected their reservations and told them that CPEC was a symbol of economic progress and will be completed at all costs.