ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the United States are working quietly to bring some normalcy to their troubled relationship following last month’s Nato airstrikes in Mohmand Agency.
As part of some behind the scenes efforts, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Ahmed Shuja Pasha visited Doha this week where he was believed to have met senior US military and intelligence officials.
The US military has a strong presence in Qatar as Centcom maintains its regional headquarters in what is known as the Arab world’s financial capital.
Pasha, who returned from his two-day trip on Wednesday, visited Doha just days after the US made public its probe into the November 26 Nato attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
The inquiry was conducted by the US Centcom and it was said that the ISI chief’s visit was linked to that.
In its initial response, Pakistan rejected US findings that said Pakistani soldiers fired first at American and Afghan forces, but conceded that Nato has to share the majority of the blame for the attack.
The army, however, hasn’t given its detailed reply which is likely to clarify which direction the relationship between Pakistan and the US will head towards. However, the visit of the ISI chief and his reported meetings with US officials is an indication that the two sides are willing to work through this ‘bad patch’.
There was no official word, however, from either side regarding the ISI chief’s visit. Despite repeated attempts, the chief military spokesperson was not available for an official reaction.
But Pasha’s visit to Doha was confirmed by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. A military official also confirmed that the ISI chief toured the Arab state but would not comment on the purpose of his trip. “It could be anyone’s guess,” the official said.
Another official indicated that the trip may be linked to the proposal for setting up a Taliban office in Doha for the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
However, there are speculations that Qatar is mediating between the civil and military leadership over the Memogate controversy that pitted the two against each other, as Premier Gilani is also expected to visit the Qatari capital in the second week of January.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2011.
COMMENTS (19)
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@Pakhtun: Everyone knows where it is but no one wants to go.
@Khairan: Yes ! You need to read this again! As Qatar is simply an Venue !! Perhaps the both parties felt safer to hold such meetings outside Pakistan ! Yes , Pakistan's Justice System has huge backlog and really is not renowned for its efforts to operate without political interferance !!!! How many bombers and mass murderers have they manage to actually convict ?
What business does Qatar has concerning Memogate. Pakistan is a sovereign country and It is the responsibility of the Pakistan's Justice system and the guilty should be held accountable! . . Period.
Pakistan is very good place for rumors.
Seems funds of army and ISI dried out, time to earn again. But this time it won't be that easy to milk money, they need to do more, more, more.....
@Bilal: You say "they are not going to discuss politics in Doha, btw" Surely not the ISI chief has traveled all the way just to have a cup of tea and say sorry.
@pakistani Afghanistan has many neighbors and entry/exit points, don't overplay your hand.
So Pakistan had its two minutes of self esteem. Time to bring out the begging bowl again
ISI looking for face saving formula. Pakistan has no choice but to openup blockade. More delay creates problem for Pakistan. Already people are stealing from the loaded trucks parked on highways the material destined for NATO.
@pakistani: Keep living in the drean world full of self importance and illusions, US are simply going to change their game plan in the region and cut you guys completely out of the picture !!! How responsible is the official who states that "its anyones guess" as to the purpose of the visit and meeting!!!! This is not an statement officials from any responsible countries would have made, but yes its Pakistan, so anything is possible!!!
ISI chief must be trying for extension of his tenure and hence now discussing with US. real change since last november !!! WHERE IS THE BRAVADO MAN !!!!.
we hear that pakistan PPP is now having second thoughts about his extension. we also hear that US is wanting both pasha and kayani out.
client country like pakistan cannot live without US doles.
with respect to meeting at different part of the world and reconciliation process means american feeled guilty and they know they made mistake and want to come back and do finished this combat, but be careful they are Americans never trust on them.
@VINOD FYI:they are not going to discuss politics in Doha, btw.
"The ISI official denied that the agency plays any role in the country’s political affairs"
@Ashraf P: USA cannot leave Afghanistan without Pak military. Time to stop the drama and admit it.
Pakistan cannot survive without US military and civilian aid. Time to stop the drama and admit it.
The Foreign Ministry is adamant the US-PAK policy will be reviewed thoroughly, the Army is still at a back foot since OBL raid, our intelligence services are 'making progress' patching up with US buddies in the Arab countries and the PM is backing up all of them at once without a second thought it seems .. can't our institutions at least be coherent in their approach towards US? Maybe that's how things are done .. what do I know ..
Moving forward, It is right decision because you cannot engage yourself on east and west at same time, rational thinking is needed. good move.