The controversy over the Haqqani network has severely been undermining Pakistan and coalition forces border coordination. It was reported on June 25, 2012, that the commander of the International Security Assistance Force, Gen John R. Allen, would visit Pakistan on June 27, 2012 to deliberate on the increasing of border security coordination. One cannot be too much optimistic about Gen. John visit. It is because the implementation of the ‘recently-evolved border coordination measures and standard operating procedures’ between the coalition forces and Pakistan would only improve after the normalization of relations between the United States and Pakistan.
The unending deadlock since November 26, 2011 between United States and Pakistan obstructs the mutual coordination among the security forces deployed on both side of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. This kind of obstructions entails perilous repercussions. For instance, on June 24, 2012, the Afghan militants attacked on the Pakistan troops on patrol in the northwestern district of Upper Dir. They abducted 11 Pakistani soldiers. It was reported that seven of eleven Pakistani soldiers were beheaded by the Afghan militants.
The Americans have been pressurizing Pakistan instead of engaging it seriously. It was reported that US was considering raids into Pakistani territory to combat militants on this side of the border. The coalition forces hot pursuit would undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty. The violation of an ally’s sovereignty would neither in the interest of Washington nor suitable for Islamabad. It would only create advantageous situation for the terrorist syndicate led by Al Qaeda.
Last week, State Department reported that ‘in Pakistan its diplomats are not comfortable due to the deliberate hindrances and intrusions by the government of Pakistan in their diplomatic work. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry denied the accusation and stated: “all diplomats in Pakistan were extended full courtesies and privileges as required under the Vienna Conventions and the same courtesies and privileges are also extended to duly accredit US diplomats (and) consular representatives in Pakistan.”
Since last year, the developments are not conducive for Pakistan-United States bilateral relations. Therefore, it is imperative that both sides act rationally and transform their enmity into amity to combat the menace of transnational terrorism.