There cannot be two opinions about the fact that the defeat of Al-Qaeda in the war against global terrorism was not possible without more-than-active participation of Pakistan in it. Nearly three decades ago, Pakistan was a key factor behind the humiliation of the Red Army in Afghanistan. The whole world acknowledges and appreciates these facts but the new US administration appears to be unmindful of the scale of sacrifices this country of 200 million people has rendered since the US invasion of Afghanistan weeks after attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by Al-Qaeda terrorists on September 11, 2001. The show of ambivalence that is on display in the White House, the State Department and the Pentagon since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump seems to have transformed into sheer belligerence against Pakistan as the unfounded US-Afghanistan narrative has lately begun to acquire a threatening tone, leaving Islamabad with no option but to view its partnership with Washington with doubt and suspicion.

In recent days, the US has been talking of taking "unilateral steps in areas of divergence". CIA director Mike Pompeo, for example, has said that his country would do everything it could to ensure the elimination of "terrorist safe havens" in Pakistan. Moreover, during his trip to Afghanistan last week, US Vice President Mike Pence said that 'President Trump has put Pakistan on notice'. Undoubtedly, the growing US belligerence warranted a befitting response from Pakistan. In what appears to be the strongest-ever reaction from Islamabad, the US has been told that despite Pakistan's desire for lasting peace in Afghanistan, there can be no compromise on national respect and sovereignty. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, army's spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor, inter alia, stated: "Let it be known to all misadventure-seekers and probably naïve thinkers that notwithstanding any temporary domestic differences, when it comes to security of our beloved Pakistan, we are all one. ...The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan." He contested US claims by making it clear that the two mega anti-terrorism operations-Zarb-e-Azb and Raddul Fasaad-have indiscriminately targeted terrorists of all hues as a result of which there exists no organised terror infrastructure in any part of Pakistan at this point in time.

Enough is enough. Please stop because this cannot continue. This message has been conveyed to the US in response to its "do-more mantra" in an effective and meaningful manner as after having fought imposed and imported wars inside Pakistan and having paid a colossal price there is a conviction in the Pakistan's establishment that "we have done enough and we can't do any more for anyone", although Islamabad remains committed to assisting efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

On this occasion, the ISPR chief has rightly enumerated the expectations from the US: ending coercion, engagement based on trust and cooperation, repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, checking the Indian role in Afghanistan, and getting New Delhi to stop ceasefire violations along with the Line of Control committed by India. This year alone, there have been nearly 2,000 ceasefire violations by India, resulting in 52 civilian casualties. The US must appreciate the fact that the Trump administration's decision to give increased space to India in war-torn Afghanistan has immensely contributed to instability in this landlocked country. New Delhi seems to have turned Trump's 'benevolence' opportunity into new ammunition against both China and Pakistan and their mutual economic interests.

Last but not least, the far-right current US administration needs to understand that you don't put your friends or allies on notice. It must not lose sight of the fact that Washington has already conceded a lot of space to Russia in the Middle East due to its misadventures in the ME-North Africa region in recent years. The US is therefore required to abandon such oxymoronic approach to the role of a key player in the global war on terrorism in its own strategic interests and the greater interest of peace in the region and beyond without any further loss of time.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017