​The Pakistan, a US-designated terror group.

Non-certification of the counter-terror campaign, codenamed Operation Zarb-i-Azb, will block the release of a new tranche of US financial assistance to the Pakistani military from the Coalition Support Fund (CSF). CSF support had been extended for a year with a specific stipulation that the US Department of Defense would certify the effectiveness of Pakistani military operations against the Haqqani network

Relations between the allies, which have fallen apart over their divergent interests and priorities in stabilising the militancy-plagued Durand Line, may come under further strain as a result of the decision. Given the recent deterioration in ties with Kabul amid allegations by President Ashraf Ghani that Pakistani has failed to rein in cross-border terrorists, including militants affiliated with the Haqqani network, the US decision vindicates the Afghan government’s claim.

Assistance tied to operations

In the wake of serious congressional objections, the launch of the Shawal push is amply reflective of Pakistan’s mercenary motives.  Since 2001, the US has been paying Pakistan $1 billion annually to crack down on terrorism and extremism. In order to ensure continued aid inflows, Pakistan has conducted occasional military operations. However, the outcome of these sweeps has been way short of what the US and its NATO allies have long expected.

Despite receiving billions of dollars in American assistance in recent years, Pakistan has not spent the aid on battling the scourge of terrorism. A number of defence analysts believe that the aid is being expended brazenly on promoting the menace. Due to its perennial economic woes, Islamabad has grabbed the lion’s share of Western assistance to Afghanistan against the Soviet Union was launched. The foreign aid was used to strengthen the Pakistan Army and its nuclear arsenal.

Pakistan’s phony position

Because of its wobbly economy, Pakistan can ill-afford military operations and hence its heavy reliance on generous aid from America and many other countries. In recent years, it has been insisting on playing an honest role in curbing terrorism. In fact, Pakistan’s war on terror has morphed into cooperation with the insurgents. In 2011, Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in a US operation in Pakistan’s northwestern garrison city of Abbottabad.  

What is more is that Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah has been operating there, easily moving from one place to another.

This covert support for terrorism notwithstanding, Pakistan has been touting its contribution to the war on terror. Its military claims having eliminated 2,763 insurgents during the ongoing offensive that was launched in mid-June 2014. But not a single warrior’s body was ever shown to media. On the other hand, a Pakistani general says many terrorists have moved to major cities including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar to evade the military offensive.

No doubt, operations are being conducted but their targets and outcome have been suspect. Looking at the rebels’ connections with the Pakistan Army, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Islamabad is apparently not serious about combating terrorism honestly. Across-the-board action against extremists will imperil Pakistan’s own strategic interests. Acutely aware of this reality, Pakistan has been in cahoots with different terror outfits.

Washington’s two-faced policy

America’s policy toward the Afghan government’s armed opponents has been irresolute and vacillating at best. Quite untenably though, it says the Afghan government should tackle the Taliban problem. But on the other hand, Washington has been at odds over the Haqqani network, which has been attacking American and NATO targets in Afghanistan. For this reason, the US has repeatedly asked Pakistan to move decisively against the group.

Under the strategic cooperation and bilateral security pacts, American will stand by Afghanistan in case of foreign aggression. Now is the time for the US to come to Afghanistan’s rescue. However, America, which has not yet adopted such a posture against Pakistan, is trying to safeguard its own interests. Again, the congressional move is also driven by similar objectives.

The implementation of the two security agreements with the US must be considered dispassionately. The Afghan government, which can watch the enforcement of both accords, should categorically ask for US support. In case of a negative response from Washington, Kabul reserves the right to review the agreements.

Kabul’s stance vindicated

The decision on discontinuing CSF payments vindicates Kabul’s stance, particularly on the Haqqani network, which has conducted deadly assaults in Afghanistan. In the prevailing circumstances, the Ashraf Ghani administration should mount more pressure on Pakistan before taking its case to international forums. For Afghanistan to get justice, a recourse to such global forums can be expected in near future.

Mirwais is a Kabul-based independent writer. The views expressed in this article in no way reflect Pajhwok’s policy. 

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