All-weather friends US-Pak going through rough patch

Islamabad, Sept 26: With the all-weather relationship between the US and Pakistan going through some rough patch over the blame games that have erupted between both parties, emotions seem to be flying high at the moment. After the US slammed Pakistan for the ISI's link with the Afghan-based Haqqani network, Pak's Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar went on a tirade against the US.

Following this turn of events, it has been reported in certain sections of the media that Pak Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani recalled Khar from New York where she was on a diplomatic trip. Gilani also announced an all-party meet to “apprise them on the security situation in the wake of threats emanating from outside the country".

Pakistan was at the receiving end of US flak after being accused of supporting the terrorist Haqqani network through the ISI. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a US Republican member of the Armed Services Committee has been quoted as saying that Islamabad had “continued to embrace terrorism as part of their national strategy". He also added that the US will have to put all options on the table.

On the summons sent out to Khar, Gilani's statement said that she was “summoned to reach Pakistan soon to be present in the briefing, which will be given by all the concerned authorities". The statement also said about the meeting with all political parties and said that it “will send a strong message that the nation stands united when the defence and security of the country is at stake. Political differences in domestic politics do not come in the way of national and foreign policy issues, which are above party politics".

Reports in local media suggest that Khar has been called back since her presence is crucial in the all-important political meet. As a person who has direct contact with US officials in the wake of the US accusations against it, Khar's role becomes all the more prominent. Geo News quoting government officials stated that Pak was ready to give a "fitting response" to any cross-border attacks by Afghanistan-based militants.

In an effort to build consensus after the fiery rhetoric emerging against Pak from the US, Gilani contacted top leaders like Chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Altaf Hussain, Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Jamaat-e-Islami head Munawar Hassan.

OneIndia News