The summit underscored that Islamabad would not permit its territory to be used against its neighboring states. It ensured the Iranians that Americans and Jundullah will not use Pakistani territory for hatching conspiracy or launching military operation against them. Hence, Pakistan would act and cooperate with Iran to stop Jundullah operating from its soil against the Iranian regime in its Balochistan-Seistan province. In principle, this stance of not allowing territory to be used against sovereign neighbors should be adhered to in letter and spirit. Indeed, the practicability of these promises would be having lasting impact on Iran-Pakistan bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s increasing understanding with India and Karzai regime in Afghanistan seem in the interest of United States. Nevertheless, its disinclination to improve Karzai and Taliban relationship enrages the Kabul. The disappointment of President Karzai increases both Washington and Kabul concerns over the Afghan Taliban and their associates’ safe-hideouts in Pakistan. Though Islamabad categorically rebuffs its connection with Mullah Omar or the presence of Quetta shura on its territory, it has miserably failed to convince the Americans and their allies operating in Afghanistan that Al Qaeda and its allies have no sanctuaries in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
Islamabad’s increasing working with Tehran is not acceptable to Washington. Therefore, the recent trilateral dialogue did not leave a positive impression in Washington. Consequently, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher moved a bill in the House of Representative of the United States Congress to seek right to self-determination for Balochistan. The bill states that the Baloch people “have the right to self-determination and to their own sovereign country; and they should be afforded the opportunity to choose their own status.” The bill has not only increased the anti-Americanism in the Pakistani society, but also gave a reality check to the Pakistanis who believe and advocate in maintaining cordial relations with the United States.
To conclude, Pakistan has been facing both internal and external challenges. It is an established reality that no state is going to bail out Pakistan, except its own pragmatic domestic and foreign policies. Hence, it is imperative that Islamabad should chalk out a foreign policy which serves its national interest without compromising its relations with its neighbors and estranging the United States.