‘Pakistan’s contribution must be recognised’

KARACHI: The new British Foreign Secretary William Hague is not a man to mince words. He’s affable enough but refreshingly, doesn’t resort to diplomatic-ese when it comes to the tougher questions. And he’s quick to concede that the coalition forces’ need to recognise Pakistan’s contribution in the fight against violent extremism “all the time” in order to address Pakistan’s “frustration” at its allies’ demands.

But Hague refuses to be drawn into giving snappy soundbites.

What impact will the change of government in the UK bring to bear on their policy in Afghanistan? “We’re not going to abandon what our country’s agreed upon with 46 other countries when a new military effort is underway, when we’re on the brink of a political initiative, a reconciliation is underway,” he chides. “”We’re in the middle of something very important and we must give it the time and support it needs so it has the best chance of success.”

He makes no bones about how General Stanley McCrystal is going to be missed: “Whenever you lose the abilities of someone like General McCrystal... that’s something we didn’t want to happen.” But, he says, the “great strategy” McCrystal put together makes it easier for others to carry forward the work begun since “it’s the effort of tens of thousands of troops, many other skilled generals as well as an important political process.”

So if reconciliation is a good strategy for Afghanistan, should Pakistan go the same route? “Look, I won’t tell Pakistan what to do within its borders as it is not the nature of relationship I am seeking with Pakistan,” he says. “It’s a cooperative relationship. Clearly,  Pakistan has felt the need to do much more in a military sense but also to followup with economic development and that’s what’s important to continue in the future.”

What about Britain’s position on the tension between Pakistan and the US regarding the Haqqani network and the Quetta shura? “Our starting point is to recognise that Pakistan sent in troops in action in very large numbers against violent extremism and thousands of them have been killed,” he begins. “This is a country that understands violent extremism is a direct threat to the people of Pakistan and the state.”

So isn’t Britain worried about the Quetta shura, I needle? “We’re following the same strategy as the US but doing so in close cooperation with Pakistan; the struggle against extremist and terrorist groups is not over yet,” he says firmly. “I’m not going to create differences between countries we’re working with in an interview. Of course, sometimes, there will be disagreements behind the scenes.” And that’s all he’ll say.

Hague is more forthcoming about the developmental work, both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “Of the 665 million pounds sterling worth of development aid package provided to Pakistan over the next four years, 250 million of British taxpayers’ money will be spent on Pakistan’s education system,” the foreign secretary said. He also confirmed that a business school is going to be established in Karachi that will work in association with the business school in Cambridge.

And, significantly, trade is also on the agenda. “We in Britain want Pakistan to have access to markets internationally and we will help Pakistan obtain the access it should have to European markets,” he promises. Highlighting trade opportunities for Pakistan, the foreign secretary says that he wants the Pakistan Business Council and the Confederation of British Industry to work together. “Pakistan will have a strong, reliable friend in the United Kingdom.”

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