IPI pipeline and the US

Ever since the current leadership has been at the helm of national affairs, the nation has suffered humiliation at every turn. Drone attacks have not only killed women and children but the violation of sovereignty has been dealt a severe blow. Every time our prime minister has appealed to its “strategic partner” to stop them, CIA directing the attacks have continued and not even made a pro forma regret or apology.

Pakistan, in its current phase of relations with the US, has been assured at all levels of a long-term friendship and strategic partnership, having due regard for mutual interests and mutual trust. How reliable and lasting these commitments are have once again been put to the test and found wanting. The case of IPI — the gas pipeline from Iran to Pakistan — illustrates this vividly.

After decade-long negotiations, the agreement for the supply of 750 million cmfd of gas per day for the next 25 years was signed last week. Hardly had the ink on the agreement dried that US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, in town for his tenth visit, threw a spanner into the works, advising Pakistan “caution” and to “wait and see” as the US Congress is considering a bill recommending more stringent sanctions against Iran going beyond the UNSC resolution.

Over the last six months the visit of Secretary Clinton and a couple of rounds of talks under strategic dialogue had created hopes that the “trust deficit” would be bridged and the “partnership” would flourish, augmented by mutual understanding and trust. It appears that such optimism was misplaced. Holbrooke’s advice has resurrected the suspicion among large sections of the Pakistani nation that the US is not to be trusted and, for its petty interests, will ignore the interests of Pakistan. The bill has been drafted by an independent but die-hard Zionist, Congressman Lieberman.

With particular emphasis on sanctions in the energy sector, prohibiting “new investments, technical assistance and transfer of technologies, equipment and services related to these areas, in particular related to refining liquefaction, and liquefied natural gas technology.”

Prime Minister Gilani’s statement on the subject has been confusing and contradictory. He needs to comprehend the implications of his statements abiding by international law. The US legislation does not, in any way, impact the IPI agreement as it is an agreement between two sovereign nations. Ambassador Holbrooke should comprehend the ugly consequences of any pressure on the evolving relationship. What he earlier said in a joint press conference with the foreign minister, “Pakistan is an independent country and will make its own decisions,” should really be addressed to his own government.

To disregard or betray a true and loyal friend like Iran, whatever the considerations, would not only put Pakistan’s energy future in the dark, it would also forfeit the government of whatever credibility and national support it has.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2010