It has long been suspected that Pakistan uses terror groups as proxies to further state objectives. Islamabad helped secure the release of an American-Canadian couple from terrorist custody in order to please Washington. That proves Pakistan’s tie-up with terrorists. It also shows how Pakistan is bending under President Donald Trump’s pressure. The couple had been held hostage by the Haqani Network since 2012. The US has described the Haqqanis as the fighting arm of the Pakistani ISI. The couple had given birth to three children during their captivity. It is generally felt that the couple has been released days after Washington turned the heat on Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif during his US visit. The Trump Administration had warned that it would it would take punitive action against Pakistan for its continued sponsorship of terror. The steps under consideration included cutting of aid and resumption of Drone strikes if it came to the crunch.
Pakistan’s softening began when Asif returned to Islamabad and was ready for a joint creation with the US to destroy the Haqqani network. US General Mike Mullen had once described the network as a fighting front of the ISI. Pakistan’s capitulation has come when its economy is on the verge of collapse. A devaluation is imminent. Exports have declined and trade deficit is on the rise. Bringing in foreign money and institutional support are urgently required. The US seems happy with Pakistan’s response. The time is opportune for India to use greater diplomacy with Islamabad and get closer to Washington.
