The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States of America (USA) for a period of three years ending on December 31, 2015) to establish necessary measures and procedures to organize the transit of US cargo through the territory of Pakistan, using Ground Lines of Communications(GLOCs) to and from Afghanistan. On the request of the US side and in consultation with own stakeholders, the Prime Minister extended the validity of the MoU for another year till March 31, May 31, August 31 2017 and January 31, 2018 in order to revise TORs and MoU.
The sources said, few contentious issues such as duration of applicability of the proposed MoU, its legality and the focal person from the US side have been extensively negotiated.
The sources further stated that through concerted efforts of MoD and other stakeholders, the US authorities have agreed that duration of applicability of the MoU would be kept at one year and its extension would be negotiated six months prior to its expiry.
"The long outstanding issues of disposal of stuck-up Nato containers at Karachi ports have been negotiated with the concerned Nato authorities and have been successfully re-engaged after a gap of three years. Consequently, the Nato headquarters has recently provided the legal authority to Pakistan for auction/ disposal of the stuck up containers as per the Customs Act 1969 for reimbursement of outstanding dues," the sources maintained.
The sources said, formalities to implement the disposal of containers stuck up at Karachi ports are currently in progress. According to sources, in the existing environment post announcement of new Afghan Policy by the US government and subsequent statements by US officials an early finalization of the MoU is not considered prudent. The US, has, however, requested to extend the validity of the existing MoU till July 31, 2018.
However, Ministry of Defence has, proposed that the validity of MoU may further be extended for a duration of three months, upto April 30, 2018. Meanwhile, on January 10, 2018, Defense Representative Pakistan (ODRP) US Embassy, Islamabad Brigadier General Paul E. Bauman, USAF Chief, has sent a letter to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence in which he appreciated Ministry of Defence for supporting movement of Nato shipments to and from Afghanistan.
"I recently arrived in Islamabad to serve as Chief, ODRP and Defense Attache. I hope to continue the close and productive relationship developed by my predecessor. Brigadier General Ken Ekman, with your predecessor, Rear Admiral Faisal Lodhi at the Ministry of Defense. I respectfully request the opportunity to meet with you in person at your convenience in order to make formal introductions," he added.
"Mr. Bauman, ODRP also looks forward to continuing discussions with the Ministry of Defense on concluding a new long term MoU on the GLOC and noted that the last MoU extension will expire on January 31, 2018. In the interim, ODRP respectfully requests an extension of the current MoU be granted until July 31, 2018 as both countries are working together towards a new, long term MoU agreement. We also respectfully request confirmation from MOD regarding previous assurances that the GLOC will remain open and operational under the terms of the current MoU until a new MOU or a formal extension is completed. "We continue to remain committed to our united cause and we assure you of our enduring support," he maintained.