What are the main issues in the US-Pak relationship these days? Today, US ambassador-nominate for Pakistan William Todd detailed them in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Some highlights from his testimony. 1/n foreign.senate.gov/hearings/nomin…
His summary of where US relationship with Pakistan stands: "...this is a longstanding and important, but always complicated and sometimes contentious relationship. We certainly have our differences, but Pakistan is an essential regional partner..."
Issue #1 is Afghanistan: "Pakistan played a critical role in creating the conditions that brought Afghan leaders and the Taliban to the historic start of Afghan Peace Negotiations. They have an even more important role to play in supporting efforts..."
"...toward a negotiated political settlement that ends 40 years of war. This is a moment of opportunity for Pakistan to continue to forge a new and better role in the region and if confirmed will be one of my highest priorities."
Issue #2 is the India-Pak relationship: "..although we have a strong relationship with India, that does not need to come at the expense of Pakistan. I believe that under the right conditions, we can have a strong relationship with both countries.
"Our hope is that both countries will take the necessary steps to reduce tensions, and as President Trump has offered, we are prepared to facilitate dialogue if both sides request it."
Issue #3 is terrorism: "To truly reduce regional tensions, and rebuild a strong relationship with [US], [Pak] must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism...I will work with[Pak]...in eliminating terrorism from its territory and advancing security in the region."
Issue #4 is non-proliferation/security of nuclear weapons, maybe tactical ones: "[will engage with Pak on] strategic stability and non-proliferation, carrying a clear message on the threat that nuclear weapons pose to the United States, the region, and our allies and partners..."
"Pakistan needs to demonstrate it is prepared to live up to international commitments on weapons of mass destruction."
Issue #5 is safety of religious minorities: "I was shocked and heartbroken that U.S. citizen Tahir Naseem was killed in a Pakistani courtroom in which he was facing an accusation of blasphemy."
"I grieve with the family of Mr. Naseem, and if confirmed, will engage Pakistani authorities on full accountability for the perpetrators."
Issue #6 restrictions against journalists, free expression: "I am also concerned about increasing restrictions on civil society, including the growing harassment and disappearances of journalists without accountability..." n/n
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Interesting and unusual interview of Chinese consul general in Karachi Li Bijian on Pakistan’s political situation, challenges facing Chinese investors and security situation. Some highlights: geo.tv/latest/430300-…
Says the new coalition government is “very impressive”, Shehbaz is “bulldozer prime minister.”
Offers political advice to the coalition government:
After Pak missed the July 2 IMF board meeting & the currency started crashing, it was overdetermined that Pak will not be able to wait till the next meeting in August & ask for an early disbursal of the IMF tranche. So in that sense I am not surprised this happened. But…
…fact that Bajwa made this call to Dep Sec Sherman tells me the crisis has deepened, other options stand exhausted, and the economy is teetering on the brink. Worth remembering that last week, Pak PM assistant Fatemi also met Sherman. state.gov/deputy-secreta…
We will see if the US gov’t is able (& willing?) to do anything. Still overall the US has been working with Pak on various issues since late last year — despite shadow of the US withdrawal from AFG, memory of Pak’s support of Taliban, as well as Khan’s regime change theatrics.
He is also tracking negotiations with the IMF and IMF's asks of Pak. In this story he notes Pakistan needs to assure IMF of Saudi financing and reminds that Pak needs $41 billion over next 12 months to fund debt repayments and boost FOREX reserves:
Al-Qaeda is more settled and Zawahiri more comfortable and communicative since the Taliban’s takeover. It doesn’t pose an immediate threat from AFG due to lack of capability; it also doesn’t wish to embarrass or make things difficult for the Taliban.
Al-Qaeda has a committee called the Hittin Committee, which manages global leadership. Next in line for the group after Zawahiri are core’s Adl, Maghrebi, AQIM’s Yazib Mebrak and Shabaab’s Diriye; Idlib-based Hurras leader Suri is also on the committee. Hittin has demoted AQAP.
.@IKPeshawar reports Pak & TTP have "agreed to extend the ceasefire and continue peace talks following separate meetings with Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Acting Prime Minister of the ‘Islamic Emerate of Afghanistan (IEA)’ at his office the other day." dawn.com/news/1692383/i…
Confirms presidential pardon for TTP leaders Muslim, Mehmood Khan: "GoP, sources said, had demonstrated its seriousness by acceding to some of the TTP’s demands...presidential pardon to two key militant commanders, including TTP Swat spokesman Muslim Khan, was one such demand."
"...days of “intense and extensive negotiations” in the Afghan capital attended by senior level delegations from the two sides that at one point seemed close to breakdown...Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is the central mediator, helped bring the talks back on track, sources said."