Amidst growing realisation that it cannot keep the Nato supply route blocked for long, Pakistan has dropped the clearest hint yet that it might review a decision that has put its relations with not ‘only the US but another 42 countries’ in a tailspin.
Monday saw a flurry of activity in the federal capital including a high-level civil-military huddle at the Presidency suggesting the government’s willingness to revive cooperation with the US-led foreign forces stationed in Afghanistan.
The meetings followed Sunday’s huddle of top military commanders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nato in Rawalpindi where, according to officials, the issues of Nato supply routes and last year’s deadly US air raid were also discussed.
On Monday, back-to-back statements by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar made it abundantly clear that the government is ready to drop its insistence on a formal US apology over the killing of two dozen Pakistani troops in the airstrikes on border posts in Salala, Mohmand Agency.
“It’s not a matter of one, but 43 countries,” the premier told journalists in Islamabad, giving an indication that by its refusal to lift the blockade Islamabad would risk its ties with not just the US but all countries of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato).
Gilani conceded that “Pakistan and the US are engaged in a dialogue for the resumption of Nato supplies in light of parliament’s recommendations.”
At a joint news conference with Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Foreign Minister Khar went a step further by saying that Pakistan wanted to ‘move beyond’ the Salala incident as it had made its point by keeping the Nato routes shut for almost six months.
“I think we need a closure on that and move on,” Khar said after attending a high-powered meeting jointly chaired by President Asif Zardari and Premier Gilani. The meeting was attended by Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and key members of the federal cabinet.
An official told The Express Tribune that the gathering at the Presidency was meant to take stock of the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the US to reset their troubled ties.
The talks, which have been going on for a couple of weeks, appear to have moved closer to a deal that would pave way for the resumption of Nato supplies as well as Pakistan’s participation in a key Nato summit.
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen had said earlier this week that Pakistan’s participation in the summit in Chicago, scheduled for May 20-21, hinges on its decision on the supply route for the alliance’s mission in Afghanistan.
Ahead of the key meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet today (Tuesday), the Kaira-Khar press conference is being seen as an attempt to prepare ground for a possible decision to lift the blockade.
Foreign Minister Khar also confirmed that negotiations between Pakistan and the US were heading in the right direction.
“We want to continue to be a facilitator, enabler and not a blocker,” was her response when asked if the government wanted to lift the Nato blockade.
“It was important to make a point, and Pakistan has made a point and now we need to move on and go into a positive zone,” she added.
She confirmed that the issue of unconditional apology for the Nato air strikes was currently being discussed. “As demanded by parliament, we have raised this issue with the US at all levels,” Khar maintained. However, she did not say if the US had made any commitment to tender an apology.
In reply to a question, Information Minister Kaira reiterated the government’s opposition to US drone strikes inside the tribal belt. “As far as the government is concerned we are very much clear that drone strikes are a violation of our sovereignty,” he added.
“There are protests in Islamabad, there are protests in other cities against drone attacks, but why there are no such protests in the tribal areas,” the minister questioned.
Meeting of oil tanker owners
In anticipation of a possible lifting of the Nato blockade, the petroleum ministry has convened a meeting of oil tanker owners in Islamabad on Tuesday, sources told The Express Tribune.
“All concerned officials will attend the meeting which will discuss the impact of a possible reopening of Nato supply routes,” a source said.
Another source added that security officials would also attend the meeting and brief the oil tanker owners on the steps to be taken for the security of their vehicles against attacks from Taliban insurgents.
A Peshawar-based oil tanker owner told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity that they have been asked by the petroleum ministry to stay alert because the government is set to reopen the Nato routes.
(Read: Nato supply route and sanctions)
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2012.
COMMENTS (64)
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This is like the fourth article which says it is going to be unblocked. Please leave the speculation to gamblers and concentrate on professional reporting.
@pak hindu.....Its becoz of the army rule in Pakistan that your community has been restricted from 27% to 1 % of the population unlike the Muslims in India who have increased to 20% from 5%.....Democracy is the best for all especially the threatened ones living on pittance like you...But you need to give time to democracy...
Well done Pakistani politician!!! you people are really great. if you are planning to resume NATO supply then why should to closure it, why you are playing with pakistani people and army. i am aksing onw question on the behalf of pakistani nation to you, why your sons are not served Pakistan army? one more suggestion, there should be a law for high command of Pakistani, there family member should be stydying in government.
A shameful argument extended by Kaira in support of Drone Attacks. The fact of the matter is that the most corrupt Govt. of convicted Gilani and billionaire Zardari has capitulated and buckled under the US pressure.
@Abdullah: Wow!! Pakistan is so rich!! No wonder USA and China wants to cosy and suck up to pakistan!! Time to teach the rest of the world a big lesson??!!!
Does Pakistan really need foreign aid or can it withhold restrictions, the only thing Pakistan need is the independence from west and its puppets. It has abundant energy resources. The estimated value of the Thar Coal deposits are 25 trillion dollars, 420 times the value of all foreign loans, gas reserve at Sui estimated to be 250 trillion cubic feet, 74 million ton of aluminum, 500 million ton of copper, 46 million ton of Zinc, 600 million ton of Iron, 350 million ton of gypsum, 22 million ton of Phosphate, dozens of ton of silver, precious stones and building stone. Reko Dik gold mines are included in the world largest gold mines and the estimated worth of the gold is increasing rapidly, in all its blocks is 500 to 3000 billion dollars. The wheat production is 24 MT, is more than that of the entire Africa, which stands at 20MT and equals that of South America. Despite so many resources bestowed by Allah (swt) - more than that which some of the major world powers possess – the capitalist system has turned us into a nation of beggars. These facts and figures are enough to prove that not only do we have enough resources; rather, we have the full potential to sustain another country of our size and even more. It is obvious that we are neither dependent on any other country nor at the mercy of the coffers of others. However, our rulers want to show the public that we are dependent on west and therefore we have no choice to implement IMF policies and wage war against our own people.
@Amjad: Mushy saved Pakistan from being bombed into the stone ages and also was responsible for the highest economic growth ratio since the creation of pakistan. But more importantly he did not rape and steal the wealth of pakistan and send it to a swiss account like our so called democratic elected leaders
@faraz: "Facilitating killing of our own people? These 43 countries are determined to cause damages to Pakistan beyond repair. They are supporting militants in Pakistan for their own causes, in the mask of fighting with some others. No, we should not be “the facilitator”
Conceptually I agree with you. If NATO is truly festering militancy in Pakistan (Pakistan has not presented evidence of this but let us assume that is true) then Pakistani, ISI should identify trouble makers and foreign policy should support expelling such trouble makers or dealing with them as prescribed by your laws. The question here is of the NATO supply route. Are you saying that allowing NATO supply routes through Pakistan, in and of itself facilitates killing of Pakistanis? If yes can you please provide your rationale for that?
@Karachi: Unclear what the correlation is between any of my comments and this comment.
This was suppose to happen sooner or later. Just pray for yourself and for all of us.
How can Pakistan block the supply for Afghanistan? It's illegal according to all the international laws. We dont need to take panga with 50 countries having presence in Nato army in Afghanistan with that crippled economy of ours. No one in Afghanistan and rest of Muslim world is out on street, protesting about Afghan affairs.. Why we Pakistani are self made champions and thaikedar of Afghanistan and Islam.
A total, absolute and unmitigated foreign policy surrender once again. When will you learn? The NATO and US cannot be blackmailed. Eliminate militancy, religious fundamentalism and focus on economy , all the GHAIRAT in the world will be yours. This is a wellwisher writing.
You do realize that the NATO blockade is in violation of international trade law. In affect, Pakistan is imposing trade sanctions on 42 Nato member and non member nations. The first response to such actions is the imposition of trade sanctions. Basically, if you think you can use territory under your control to blockade trade. Those nations are forced to impose sanctions upon Pakistan. That is the natural next course of action. So it would be nice to rather than not address your actions and its consequences to speak on this subject in context. From now on say: We can suffer crippling international trade sanctions and our blocking of Nato supplies is worth it. If you are willing to make that statement that have that position.
our slavery minded government has fialed in all fields of governence ...first why they took such a so called great dicision and then they move back from this decision its a very shamefull for all PAKISTANI'S ....
@Pakistani Hindu: Musharraf was the fellow who gave away Pakistan's honour for nothing. Imagine how much could have been gained if we had had an elected government then. Musharraf gifted away Pakistan's transit fees for nothing. He could have added energy to the national grid in 10 years of dictatorship.
@gp65: Well. Their were being operated by remote control. Previously the signal from the remote asked them to jump about and create a scene. Now the signal says keep quiet. Not that difficult to decipher, is it?
These politicians are only there to increase and protect their vested interests that lie in the West not in Pakistan...so steal from Pakistan...invest in the West...and fool the people of Pakistan with Democracy...and serve the real Masters! Not long before they will see their true fates....not long.
Politics of DOLLAR.
well done... thats like mature Nations
@Pakistani Hindu: The worst part is the media particularly the electronic justifies the corruption and ineptness of the government. They do not touch on the real core issues which might impact the politicians. Musharraf may have been bad for politicians but was he bad for the people of Pakistan? No. He is was fine for us. Look what politicians have done to Pakistan?
I am curious to see what DeP does now. They made so much noise and spent millions of rupees on rallies. And Imran Khan too for that matter. Looks like they are all talk and no action.
Non sense. What is this 'muslim pakistani' and 'pakistani hindu''. Couldn't these guys get some sensible identifying names?
It is due to foreign policy followed by Pakistan army that Pakistan is in this catch 22 position. Under its influence the Pk people made extreme views about USA from where it is difficult for them to retract.
what a disgrace to pakistan this government is.
ask to the whole Pakistani NATION weather they let to Govt. of Pak to open route or not ??? where is democracy ???
@gp65: He dispelled the impression that the JI had supported the treasury benches’ resolution for restoration of the Nato supplies in the Senate. “We gave our dissenting note on the resolution, which is on record,”- Prof Ibraheem Khan Really? Then you must have selective hearing
“We want to continue to be a facilitator, enabler and not a blocker,” Facilitating killing of our own people? These 43 countries are determined to cause damages to Pakistan beyond repair. They are supporting militants in Pakistan for their own causes, in the mask of fighting with some others. No, we should not be "the facilitator".
have you guys heard of Flip-flop policy? No? Just study pak's foreign policy for last 65 years. Even children ar enot that confuse but your policy makers are.
CNN Interviewer: One third Pakistanis are against opening of the supply routes for Nato? Gilani: whats stopping them from leaving the country?
The talks are stuck on the US insistence that Pak apologizes on the blockage of the NATO Routes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You can say that Ms Khar because you sleep in you cozy room with a hundred guards to protect you.
May Allah's wrath be upon those who disgrace the nation by bowing in front of their foreign masters ....
If NATO supply will not open how will our Politicians and Leader's Salary be paid..
At last some sane step from Govt. I'm wondering if PTI, DPC, PMLN etc are gonna protest against GHQ too, coz the unblocking will be done with GHQ consent!
Very good decision by the government. Mr. Zaradari, Mr. Gilani and Ms. Khar deserve all our appreciation and all the dollars that they will get as a result of this decision. Well done , all!
@PakLand: "We made a strong point already" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sir I compliment you on your sense of humor.
neither these politicians nor the army establishment wants anything for pakistan . .they are nothing but amrican slaves,working hard to secure the "american raj". hope soon Khilafah will be re-established on the method of prophethood,and once again we'll be ruled by a khaleefah who will fear ALLAH(swt) "...So do not fear them,and fear ME if you are believers" (al quran)
The oil tankers will be escorted by Drones ,so don't worry .
Emotionally its a very irritating decision but practically its a good decision. We are not in a position to fight with US.
@ Pakistani Hindu: Democracy requires patience and time. Disrupting it every 5-10 years restarts the process from its infancy. Your country never had a democratic party complete its full term and here you are howling against democracy. Give it time, atleast 25-30 years and then ponder over the results. Democracy is the safest bet especially for 'vulnerable' minorities like you. Islamization and radicalism are a direct result of Zia's regime, whose fruits you are bearing now. That regime was certainly not a democracy.
@MUSLIM PAKISTANI: Pakistanis should have realise by now that Ghairat cannot be displayed or claimed as long as their existence depends on the foreign aid and US continues to be the major contributor for the same. So untill then this ghairat should safely be kept in the deep freezer and Pakistanis will have to wait patiently till they stand on their own feet to wear the tag of Ghairatmand. Sincerely hope and pray that you donot have to wait for a couple of decades for the same. Regards and best wishes.
Not hearing loud noises from PTI, DPC and Hafeez Saeed not to mention JI. Wonder what happened to their principled opposition to opening the supply route?
Un-blocking is a sane decision. Pakistan has to realise that terrorist have to be routed out.They are bad for the future of the country and coming generation.
"“I think we need a closure on that and move on,”"
So how exactly did you get closure - assuming that your original grievance was legitimate? USgot closure by killing Osama, degrading Al Qaeda and ensuring that in 10 years following 9/11 there has been no terrorist event on its soil.What exactly has happened that has allowed you t get 'closure'? Or were you just using the brave soldiers deaths and Pakistani citizens' emotions as a negotiating leverage
It is ironic that the parliament is once again overruled by the establishment. Khar is not a PPP person but represents the deep state. By brining the issue to the parliament, the coalition govt proved that it is not unilaterally taking the decisions. In Pakistan, it is not the parliament which is supreme but the establishment, who failed in the game of capitalizing upon the sacrifices of dozens of soldiers. All of a sudden all the talk of their killing by the US evaporated. This is no brainer; everybody knew that Pakistan is in no position to dictate terms.
Pakistan establishment has once again stripped "G' from the word "GHAIRAT" and replaced it with its favorite letter 'K" (Kashmir, Kabul, Khandhar, Kash) and turned it into a "KHAIRAT".
Musharaf...when usa threatend that pak will b eliminated with d help of India he immediately buckled and allowed usa to do what ever it like and pak army will support.howeve present set up yields slowly and slowly.
They are cursed
CURSED
Now that's more like it! I congratulate the foreign minister Khar and Kaira for their hard work along with whole cabinet of PM, the President and Gen. Kayani. We made a strong point now already.Extremism is not only dangerous but embarassing also and went to extremes of calculating our value without measuring consequenses. Now we are liking our own spit. If we are against terrorism, then we must cooperate where needed and btw why not to allow drones happily istead of drumming soveriegnty tune.
Is that all the ghairat of Pakistanis? Just vanishes before a fist full of dollars, irrespective of the sugar coating done by the FM.
Arm twisting or give and take or something else?
Well. Since I don't live in Pakistan and I have no idea what she's talking about when she said they made their point... I'm gonna have to say they didn't make that point. At least no point that would be positive for Pakistan.
Pak, as expecteted,ultimately wilted under pressure .now pak will start getting dollars ,pm's chair will b safe.economic condition from ICU to general ward
Sian, You stop it for your purpose. Now you are allowing it for your purpose. Why a news.
Drama over as no one showed up to watch it !!
Opening the NATO supply route is a forgone conclusion since that's the only rational thing to do. The pak army may be unwise but not stupid and suicidal.
Today I miss Gen Musharraf.. he's a straight forward guy.. no false promises and emotional talks.. he knew how to deal with these world powers. And look at this so called democracy..all their tall claims seem to have fallen flat with even the most basic amenities lacking. At least we could wear respectable clothes in Gen Musharraf's era, but this democracy has stripped of our country's honor.!! Those who love democracy this is in your face now.!!
Whatever happened to all the tall claims and false slogans now??
"The one sure way to conciliate a tiger is to allow oneself to be devoured."
Characteristic PPP politics of 'mafamat' or 'convenience' being played at the international stage now. Legitimacy of Gilani more important than legitimacy of Pakistan.
No even an apology from US.... How sad!!
Hina Rabbani should resign.
Whatever, happened to that much sought apology. Oh, I see they are willing to settle the matter through BLOOD money. Arn't loopholes wonderful?
PPP please give us a break with all that drama, we know you're dying to kill Pakistan's ghairat once again, and go back to being American stooges, ur money cuts are more important than ghairat, eeman, and your countrymen. So do us a favor and RESIGN!