ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to arrive here today (Monday) for a crucial round of strategic dialogue with Pakistan in the wake of the drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan.
Although neither Washington nor Islamabad issued an official announcement regarding Kerry’s visit, seemingly due to security reasons, official sources confirmed that the secretary of state will reach the Pakistani capital today (Monday) evening. Kerry is expected to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif the same day.
Kerry is visiting Islamabad for the strategic dialogue initiated by the Obama administration in an effort to advance bilateral cooperation with Pakistan beyond what is often seen as mainly the security-driven relationship. Under the strategic dialogue, there are several working groups on energy, counter-terrorism and trade and economic cooperation.
The strategic dialogue in Islamabad will review progress achieved so far during the working groups. The talks are seen as important as this will indicate the nature of cooperation between the two countries in coming years after the US formally ended its 13-year-long and hard combat mission in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has often expressed fears that the US may repeat the mistake of 1989 when it left the region in mess. The US has time and again assured that it has learnt from its mistakes and will not abandon the region.
During his stay, Kerry is also expected to meet army chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss the current regional security situation. He is likely to visit the Army Public School in Peshawar to show solidarity with Pakistan following the barbaric attack last month as well.
The US secretary of state will be coming straight from India and ongoing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi will certainly be a key talking point. A senior Pakistani official told The Express Tribune that Islamabad will brief Kerry about the worsening situation and its possible implications for the ongoing military offensive in the tribal areas.
“Our message for Secretary Kerry will be: (1) Indian aggression is distracting us from the ongoing war on terror, (2) Pakistan wants peace with India but with dignity and, (3) don’t mess with Pakistan,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
Tensions between Pakistan and India are showing no signs of de-escalation due to sporadic clashes between the security forces of two countries along the Line of Control and the working boundary.
The two nuclear-armed neighbors have recently engaged in war of words over the US move to approve civilian and military assistance for Pakistan, certifying that the country was doing enough against militant outfits.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2015.
COMMENTS (18)
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@devendersingh, No need to get hyper bro. AVMPolpot was just being sarcastic. He's an Indian, not a Pakistani. just take it easy. don't get fired up in nationalism ^_^
@Siraj Ahmed US has developed strong relationship with Taliban & that has created problems for certain quarters. Taliban are joining Afghan Govt & therefore US job done. I am afraid no more money for wheat procurement assistance. Lets see if empty threats can work out what is expected of Mr. Kerry.
is the " Kashkol" ready ?
"Our message for Secretary Kerry will be: (1) Indian aggression is distracting us from the ongoing war on terror, (2) Pakistan wants peace with India but with dignity and, (3) don’t mess with Pakistan,” the official said on condition of anonymity"
Sec. Kerry, who has forgiven PAK for burning his effigy and who authored the PAK aid bill is not going to be influenced by this type of "leaked" primer talks. Whether PAK likes it or not, the US will be shaking PAK for time to come.
PAK diplomats at the FO should read the signals. Obama is visiting India again, and Kerry is returning from India investment conclave.
Will the three point primer be of any help for PAK?
Good luck with the meeting
PM Sharif will not be addressing point 3! So obviously will have to be the great Gen Sharif.
Pakistan Zindabad
@AVMPolpot: Hahah,you are the first person who can ignored truth and lied yourself, you defeated all war even surrendered with fight in 1971, so bro relies the reality and think like a reasonable person,
Who is the anonymous official who dares to tell US "don't mess with us". Please.. Where will the aid come from? Even if musters his courage & says so, he will be branded a militant and will be exported to Guatemano bay. Also, why plead with America for self respect for Pakistan. Self respect cannot be begged. Infact, when you beg, you lose self respect.
Pakistan has lost any significance in the eyes of USA, as they left the Afghanistan last year.
Kerry's schedule was released by the State Dept. It has all the stops except Pakistan. This explains everything. He may come at the last minute. And our establishment make us believe that we are important power? Get Real!
" (3) don’t mess with Pakistan" We need to be bold like this.
" Islamabad sojourn: Kerry likely to arrive today, say officials" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Kerry stocked up on Panadol while in Delhi.
" The US has time and again assured that it has learnt from its mistakes and will not abandon the region." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The chief mistake that US made was to not to place Pakistan where Afghanistan was ! Surely it will rectify that now.
" (3) don’t mess with Pakistan,”" ++++++++++++++++++ India has already burnt its fingers messing with Pakistan in 1948,1965,1971 and Kargill. No wonder Indians are shivering....and not due to the winter.
" He is likely to visit the Army Public School in Peshawar to show solidarity with Pakistan following the barbaric attack last month as well." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I do hope that Kerry carries adequate insurance cover ...after all visiting the most lawless part of Pakistan is no mean act.
" Under the strategic dialogue, there are several working groups on energy, counter-terrorism and trade and economic cooperation." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ And what about the working group for US assistance for wheat procurement?:)
Dear Mr Kerry, most welcome..
Also would be wise to avoid saying
"I just came from India and whatever they say is right "
cuz we had enough of it .
How did he feel I wonder about being forcibly converted to Hinduism while he was there.S
"Don't mess with Pak" , as if it needs messing any more from outsiders!