In the past few years, Taliban militants have been using Pakistan's tribal districts as a base for attacks on the NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. This has prompted NATO attacks on targets in Pakistan, which has in turn put a strain on U.S.-Pakistan relations. The tension peaked recently, following a U.S. air strike on an Al-Qaeda target in Pakistan during which Pakistani soldiers were killed.
In a recent visit to the U.S., Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters that "the U.S. would not be allowed to take [military] action in parts of Pakistan. The war against terror will be fought by other means, not only by means of weapons."[1] In a subsequent interview for Al-Jazeera, he outlined Pakistan's position vis-a-vis the U.S. and the Taliban.
Following are excerpts from the Al-Jazeera interview, conducted originally in English:[2]
Military Action Is Not the Only Option
Asked about Pakistan's negotiations with the Taliban,[3] Qureshi said: "Our position has been consistent that we will not negotiate with terrorists. The negotiations that we've had in the past and that we're having right now are with tribal elders. The idea is to wean them away from the extremist element. But we will not negotiate with terrorists...."
"[Afghanistan and the U.S.] have a point [in their criticism of Pakistan's negotiations with the Taliban], but we have a point as well. Our point is that the military option is not the only option. Our strategy has to be a more comprehensive strategy. That is why our strategy is a multi-pronged strategy. We believe in political engagement. We believe in socio-economic development. When necessary, we will use force as well. [This] is not appeasement. You are talking [from] a position of strength, and when they would violate the agreement, we will take action."
We are Not Providing Terrorists a Safe Haven
"[Not] every person crossing the [Afghanistan-Pakistan] border is linked to terrorism. [There are also] normal people, tribe [members], divided families. Let's not forget [that] there are over two million Afghans living in Pakistan. We are not giving [the terrorists] a safe haven. That's not the idea. We are trying to [separate] between the people in the tribal areas who want a peaceful life, and that segment of the population that has taken up arms for a [certain] purpose, and is extremist. So what we are saying is: don't lump everyone together. [Not] everybody living in the tribal areas is a terrorist, and you have to distinguish between the terrorists and the ordinary citizens [who] want a better future."
The U.S. Should Concentrate Its Military Efforts in Afghanistan
Asked about the recent U.S. air strike on a target in Pakistan, in which Pakistani soldiers were killed, Qureshi said: "[The U.S. says that] it was an accident. That is why we have set up a joint investigation team that is investigating the matter in order to find out what exactly happened. [However,] we are certainly unhappy with [such] intrusions. We do not want Pakistani soil and sovereignty violated... and we have said this categorically.
"The U.S. needs us as much as we need the U.S. It is a common war; it is a common fight. We have a common enemy and we have a common approach in dealing with [him]. So in any relationship, the element of respect has to be there...."
"I think they should also recognize [our] successes, the arrests we have made. We have apprehended serious, high-value targets. We have got Al-Qaeda on the run… We have broken many [terrorist] networks and have banned many organizations in Pakistan.
"In my opinion, [the U.S.] needs to concentrate on Afghanistan. The internal situation in Afghanistan is being overlooked, [but] the impact it is having on the movement [of people] across the border has to be considered... [The] internal crisis in Afghanistan should not [and] cannot be overlooked..."
We Have No Contacts With the Taliban
Asked whether Pakistan might mediate between the Taliban and the Afghan government, Qureshi said: "We have no contacts with [the Taliban]. We have a hands-off policy. There has been speculation for some years that Osama bin Laden may be in Pakistan... [The U.S.] government has denied this claim, [and in fact], how can it be sure that [bin Laden] is not in [America itself]? The whole world wants to know where [bin Laden] is. I cannot say with certainty, but I will say that if we have sufficient information, the government of Pakistan will take action."
The Pakistani People Want an Impartial Investigation of the Bhutto Assassination
About the U.S. probe into the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Qureshi said that the Pakistani people want in impartial investigation, and added: "That is our desire, and we are doing our utmost to give every possible support to the [investigators], so they [will] come to some sort of conclusion and we can bring [the perpetrators] to justice. We have learnt from the experience [of the Al-Hariri tribunal], and this is reflected in our planning [of the Bhutto investigation]...
"The decision [to ask the U.N. for an investigation] was unanimously approved by the [Pakistani] parliament. Each and every political party – [both in the] government and [in the] opposition – supported this resolution, because the people of Pakistan want an [investigating] body that is neutral, impartial, and credible..."
An Attack on Iran Will Destabilize the Region
About Iran's recent war games, Qureshi commented: "[Iran's missile] test [launch], which took place several days ago, has no implications for Pakistan. Such test [launches] are frequent. [However,] we want Iran to act responsibly. Iran has been saying that its right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes should not be denied, because they are signatories to the NPT. We recognize this right. But we would [like] dissuade Iran and urge it to be mindful of international concerns... I hope [that the West refrains from attacking Iran,] because if they [attack,] it will destabilise the entire region and things might spin out of control."
[1] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), July 16, 2008.
[2] www.aljazeera.net, July 15, 2008. The text has been edited for clarity.
[3] See MEMRI Inquiry and Analysis No. 454, "Pakistani Military Drive Avoids Targeting Taliban," July 10, 2008, Pakistani Military Drive Avoids Targeting Taliban.
