| Hillary Clinton’s visit to Pakistan |
US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton, during her visit to Pakistan, held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani as well as the political leaders of the country.
She said her visit to Pakistan has marked the beginning of a new era of US-Pakistan relations. “We want to turn the page on relations between the US and Pakistan.” She said the US is pursuing a strategy with the help of Pakistani government and intelligence agencies which is in clash with the ideology of Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
The top US diplomat was of the view that it is important to determine through a comprehensive strategy as to which groups of Afghan Taliban intend to come into the folds of the mainstream politics.
The US has total confidence in Pakistan’s democratic government and the Pak Army, and the US appreciates the ongoing operation being carried out against the militants, Hillary Clinton said. However, she said, the US is concerned on all kinds of proliferation of weapons. According to our information there are people on both sides of the border who do not subscribe to the views of Al-Qaeda but they continue to remain under terrorists’ pressure.
She said the purpose of her visit is to help fulfill the aspirations and needs of the people of Pakistan. Regarding impression created by the debate on Kerry-Lugar Bill that US trust on Pakistani security forces has weakened, she said some wrong perceptions have existed over a period of time in both the countries which need to be addressed.
Can the US clarification on Kerry-Lugar Bill satisfy the people of Pakistan? Does the visit of US secretary of state herald beginning of a new era of relations between the two countries? Please, share with us your opinion on the visit of Hillary Clinton. |
[47] Comments | Post Comments | Send to a Friend ! |
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| It is sad to see Pakistan put up with the attitude of these foreign powers. Hillary's visit was no different, asking Pakistan to do more on this so- called war on Terror, but she definately crossed the line, when she commented that Pakistani Leadership knows where Al Qaeda leaders are hiding. I wish Pakistan had some leaders with guts and could have answered her "May be you should check carefully at the US Consulate/Embassy at Islamabad." Her comments were dis-respectful to thousands of Pakistani civilians and Army/Police people dying every day. Probably US perception is that Paksitani blood is cheap and can be taken for granted. |
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| Hillary Clinton visit to Pakistan was a success in which she understands the needs of most Pakistanis and the suffering of million Pakistanis across the northern border due to war on terror going on there against Taliban militants. Hillary Clinton a very wise woman of the world and I would rank her # 1 woman of the world and Banazir Bhutto ranks # 2. |
| Taj Ahmad [Karachi-Pakistan] |
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| I totally agreed with the above statement . The american even did not rely on Pakistani security official. She is here to present a better view of America and to know the thought of the opinion leader and to modify it as well as she met with anchors and the people like that only . And let me assure you that to some extent she has achieved her goal. |
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| The media too busy showing foreign politicians stop in Pakistan whereas at the same time in these few days over one hundred people have died, but that is unnoticed. Peshawar blast, Rawalpindi blast as well as the train accident in Karachi casualties have totaled above one hundred, but all the media cares about Hilary Clinton on television because that is what will get them paid huge amounts of dollars!! |
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| The Pakistani community and Muslims from many other parts of the world here in UK are surprised to hear the report given by "Pakistan’s military spokesperson Athar Abbas Tuesday claimed that Islamabad has enough evidence to substantiate that India was funding terror in South Waziristan." Many suspected such involvement, but now it seems more than true and another surprising report given by Madamme Hillary Clinton "US allowed Al Qaeda to enter Fata: Hillary. If the US had done a better job in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda would not have slipped into Pakistan, said Clinton." Why declare such statement at this stage surprise because to cover up Indian involvement in Pakistan, and make them innocent if found guilty as stated by military spokesperson Athar Abbas. The globalization of world politics to state that they are the ones Hillary said and now blaming her government to cover up neigbouring country. The community member abroad are against any form of violence by individuals or states, but such authentic reports are of concern to the community as a whole. |
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| America is terrorist and has no right to stop Muslim countries to make nuclear bombs. Pakistan is not like Afghanistan it has its own reorganization. It is Islamic republic and first Islamic nuclear power country. America could not form polices for our country Pakistan according to its own desires, as it is trying to achieve confidence of the people of Pakistan. But this is fact that people do hate America and people have no good feelings for them. They are terrorists they could not tolerate the power of Asia and want to be a superpower forever . Many arm factories working there and they are signing agreements with India, Rusia, France and Israel to more develop and strong their countries so they are not accepting the nuclear power of Iran, north Korea and other Asian countries. America is providing arms to Afghanistan and they are using it in Pakistan for killing innocent people as recent activities they are doing on our soil. It is comparing our country with Afghanistan and said that Pakistan is unrest country and terrorists will find out its nuclear assets and it needs strong policy for the protection of these assets. According to White House chief that Mr. Obama will soon make a plan for the counter terrorism in Pakistan. Now, Allah knows what would be their policy. They are directly killing many innocent people by drone attacks, targeting them by XE and trying to find our nuclear assets. Here in Pakistan no government strategy to stop it from its doing in the country because they are getting money. People are worried about Pakistan and they are thinking that America will occupy our assets and then they will loose their freedom of country. If USA' s policies were better, then why the disputes of Kashmir and Palestine remain to be solved? Why it is not stopping Israel, why their concern just for Pakistan and Afghanistan, but no for other countries like Africa, Chechnya and India. They should form policies for occupied Kashmir and provide aid for other poor countries. Their concern must be on world development not on destruction of the countries. It is a challenge if Obama administration present stance on Kashmir and the issue is resolved in his govt, then he has right to fight against terrorism. |
| Shahida Zareef Khan [Islamabad] |
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| I feel embarrassed with what I have been watching on the Pakistani TV channels. As an expatriate Pakistani, I have tried for the last twenty five years to put forth a face to Pakistani's that is kind, humane, respectful and overall informed. My Sec. of State Hillary Clinton was on a visit to Pakistan, and the way the high powered and respected anchors of Pakistani TV treated her is not only shameful, but disgusting. Mr. Hamid Mir insisted on calling her "Mrs. Clinton" and kept badgering her to answer some traffic incident on the streets of Islamabad. Mr. Talat Hussain insisted on quoting wrong figures on aid to another country. One lady anchor suggested to Sec. Clinton that the US should establish diplomatic relations with Russia. Another did not have a clue as to how much the US had given as aid for the IDP's. The population of Pakistan, got a chance to meet and talk freely to a Sec. of State. She visited the shrines and mosques and had the courtesy to cover her head in a scarf, how many times, if ever a Pakistani woman, taken off her scarf or "hijab" to visit a church. The enemy of Pakistan is within Pakistan, and it is time to look within and stop treating the whole world as enemies. Freedom of expression has its privileges, but it also compels us to follow some decency, when a person holds high office, then respect should be shown, irrespective of political differences. Sec. Clinton should have been addressed as "madam secretary" or Sec. Clinton. President Obama should be addressed as such President Zardari should be addressed as such Prime minister Gilani should be addressed as such and even Mr. Shaukat Aziz should be refered to as prime minister. I hope when these anchors are going to interview anyone, they at least take the time to educate themselves. |
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| Her visit brought one miserable day for citizens of Lahore where the public life was frozen, roads were blocked, educational institutions including Punjab University was closed for the whole day. |
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| Firstly, I would be skeptical to any US help for Pakistan for the following reasons 1) To-date, they have not shown any support for Kashmir resolution. Out of the two parties (PK+India), if one (India) continuously refuses to sit down for talks, then how & when would this issue be resolved? If this issue is not resolved, it will continue to be the breeding ground for fanatic talibans. 2) They have not shown any interest in helping Pakistan with nuclear energy or resolving water issues with India. |
| Patriotic Pakistani [Lahore] |
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| This is not the only case that a US official has shown us dream that never come true by announcing financial aid. Every time a US official visit pakistan they say that this is the begning of new erra of relationship with pakistan. Their relation ends as they complete their objectives. |
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| US secretary of state Hillary Clinton during her visit to Pakistan said her visit to Pakistan has marked the beginning of a new era of US-Pakistan relations. “We want to turn the page on relations between the US and Pakistan.” She admitted the strategic importance of Pakistan in the region and expressed her desire in these words, “We want to turn the page on relations between the US and Pakistan.” The timing of Clinton’s visit is very important. In Pakistan Kerry-Luger Bill has raised storms and whole Pakistani nation have serious concerns over its terms and language. Opposition leaders, and other sects of the community have categorically refused to accept that conditions and declared them against to the sovereignty of Pakistan. Even our armed forces have expressed serious concerns over the language of the Bill. It is also important that Pakistan Army has launched a full-fledged attack against taleban in Waziristan. On the other side of border, in Afghanistan run of re-elections has been announced after Hamid Karzai’s re election, as president has been declared unfair. Moreover, US command in Afghanistan is demanding more troops in order to combat with Tali ban. She said the purpose of her visit is to help fulfill the aspirations and needs of the people of Pakistan. She had meetings with political leadership of the country (Government & opposition), in this context. Clinton’s visit of Pakistan is of great importance. She is aware of the challenges being faced by our country. She also clarified that the US has total confidence in Pakistan’s democratic government and the Pak army. The main question here is whether American has capability of being a sincere and trustworthy partner of Pakistan? The answer is negative, when we keep in mind the past history of our relations. US never been a reliable friend and partner despite her loud claims and assurances. From 1947 till date, they are playing a game of hide and seek with Pakistani nation. Their promises proved bubbles on water and they never supported us even on moral grounds. The present war on terror started after attacks of 9/11 on twin towers. Pakistan being a frontline state in this war suffered badly from inside as well as outside. Once we were frontline partners, now we are battlefield and this war is being fought with us. Once our partner gave us the status on Non-Nato Ally, now they consider us the main threat to the world peace. They claim that Al Qaeda is planning to launch new attacks on US from inside of Pakistan. They have also serious concerns over our nuclear deterrents and they feared that we are incapable to have secure command and control over our nuclear assets. Clinton clearly said, the US is concerned on all kinds of proliferation of weapons. According to our information there are people on both sides of the border who do not subscribe to the views of Al-Qaeda, but they continue to remain under terrorists’ pressure. One can say that Clinton’s visit was successful for the political point of view, as our political leadership is keeping quite on national issues after meeting with her. But this visit has failed to gain the satisfaction and backing of the people of Pakistan. It is duty of our political leadership that they stop gambling on people fates and stop point scoring on national issues. The role of our leadership has faded their personality by playing dirty tricks. They have failed to fulfill their commitment to the nation and country. The days of slogans and point scoring are numbered and people of Pakistan are fully aware what their well-wishers have been doing in the past. Our media should be sensible and rather to chase breaking news prefer national interests and integrity. It is time to re-write the chapter of relation with US and we should send a clear message of “No More” to Washington. The demands of “Do More” has nothing to do with us and we are “No More” ready to fall prey to traditional slogans of strategic partnership. We will only accept the partnership on fair and equal bases. The US should stop twisting our hands and have to show practical steps if they are sincere in this partnership. |
| Ansar Mahmood Jaspal LLM Advocate [Lahore] |
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| Why we are now thinking to sign off this bill? We already have given Pakistan to US after having IMF from them. If you will not sign on this bill, then they will cover you from other many ways made by our great government. I am happy that she had a discussion with all leaders of all political parties in Pakistan. At least she can commit to Obama that "They are fool! Go and Eat Them". |
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| Peter Bergen of CNN wrote an article and said "Most Americans now oppose the war in Afghanistan. We are losing in Afghanistan, on two fronts. For years, Afghanistan was "the forgotten war," and when Americans started paying attention again -- roughly around the time of President Obama's inauguration -- what they saw was not a pretty sight: a corrupt Afghan government, a world-class drug trade, a resurgent Taliban and steadily rising U.S. casualties. The second front we're losing is the Afghans themselves, who are the United States' center of gravity in the Afghan war. Eight years into this conflict, America and its NATO allies -- who are still looked on favorably by a majority of Afghans -- are not providing large swaths of the Afghan population with the most basic public good, which is security." Matthew Hoh, who was a key civilian representative for the US government in Afghanistan resigned yesterday citing, "Like the Soviets, we continue to secure and bolster a failing state, while encouraging an ideology (democracy, nakedness in the name of freedom and system of government unknown and unwanted by its people” Apparently day by day it is becoming clearer and clearer that the west is about to leave Afghanistan and would prefer to let India take care of it. Now, what Pakistan is doing by killing own people is ensuring future defeat in Afghan in counter of Indians. We all know, 9/11 for which USA came to this part of the world, was a bullshit/hoax. No Afghans, Pakistanis or even any Muslims did it. Even if I give the benefit of doubt, is it not enough after eight years of destruction of two nations, their culture, economy, killing thousands and thousands of innocent Afghans, Iraqis and now forcing Pakistan to kill some more of their own country people who want to follow their way of life- Islam, values, culture, tradition. What is the use of Pakistan being a nuclear power, if they have to kneel down to the order to kill own people, brothers, sisters. I think most of world people even today would not prefer to kill own brother only for their survival, let alone in exchange of some money. |
| Abdullah Karim [Bangladesh] |
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| I think we should not be concerned about this that whether her visit is important or not. We should only focus on the changes, which has occurred or which will occurr from her visit, then we will decide whether her visit was important or not. |
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| Hillary Clinton visit will bring no change for Pakistan, US will not compromise on his own interests, with interaction with people of Pakistan and media person she tried to remove the concerns of common people of Pakistan regarding Kerry –Lugar Bill, but she failed. She can not satisfy the people of Pakistan. Actually people of Pakistan know very well that US working on his own interests and US demands with Pakistan to DO MORE. Pakistan is paying heavy price of an ally with US fight against terrorism. Pakistan carried irrevocable loss in this fight against terrorism. Our economy reached on the brink of destruction owing to the worsen deteriorated law and order situation in Pakistan, no foreign investor is ready to come to Pakistan in prevailing situation, our industry is also near to collapse owing to power shortage and unemployment ratio is high due to multiple problems, our literacy rate is also poor and now threats to our educational institutions aggravated the situation more, terror & fear prevailed on our minds every time, when we go out from house. We feel that any untoward incident can occur, when our kids came back home from schools we thank to almighty ALLAH. Life has become so insecure in Pakistan. Pakistan has become dangerous zone in world, this is all because of inept policies of our rulers. We must think about the interest of Pakistan, Pakistan got after the great sacrifices and we destroyed it. We are fighting other's battle not for Pakistan. How the precious lives of innocent people lost in the series of bomb blast, if we compare that how many Americans lost their lives in this fight against terrorism? In month of October, hundreds of innocent people lost their lives in bomb blasts occurred in Peshawar, just imagine and feel the sentiments of their loved ones. Feelings of mothers whose sons died in blasts, my heart bleeds when TV channels telecast footage of these tragic scenes. May Almighty ALLAH give our rulers’ right path and may Pakistan live long. |
| Qazi Muhammad Naseem [Lahore] |
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| I think it is good she has visited the country, why can't the pakistani government choose to host any foreign delegate? I think the problem is pakistani population as a whole seems to allow the ideology of the terror groups and their maulvi sympathisers to creep in. Pakistan can not be used to harbour any terrorists, regardless of who they pose a threat to. Pakistan needs stability, jobs, energy, tourism, friendly neighbour policy, a resposible media, which advocates patriotism and shows the terrorists for what they are. Dare I say it, but should we not look at India for inspiration. |
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| I think she has come here just to see if the hypnosis pendulum is working or it is slowing down as the nation has decided to say no to the aid on the cost of their national respect and dignity. As there is a clear message from the nation to the US and a line between the leaders of Pakistan and the nation is quite visible. |
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| If Pakistani Government has to run the country as per desire of any foreign country, what's the use of it (Government) then? Pakistan should also have a 'Think Tank' body of its own that can formulate out what's wrong or right for the country and its nation. |
| A.R.Shams [Hyderabad (Sindh), Pakistan] |
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| Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was seen wearing “Duppata” and quite comfortable at all unexpected places like Badshahi Masjid, Mazar of Allama Iqbal, Government. College Lahore University, Barri Imam’s shrine and many more places considered no go areas even by the people of Pakistan due to current high tide of terror attacks. Her calm and composure in public outings was highly perplexing. On her arrival in Pakistan, she was greeted by a huge bomb-blast at Peshawar that killed over 110 people and maimed over 200 that might have hidden intents, which need to be studied in context of her public engagements, being indifferent to the horrible occurrence of Peshawar blast. The matter is further compounded, when otherwise always too eager and quick in accepting responsibilities of such attacks, Taliban/Al-Qaeda sources had immediately and strongly denied their involvement in the blast. If not the usual terror gangs, then who carried out the heinous savage attack? Hillary’s curious display of brave courage during her several public outings, if seen in the back of similar exhibition of bravery by Benazir Bhutto that cost her life, had been silently observed by the local media, but with cautiously raised eye-brows. Her present visit also reminds of her 1998 visit to Pakistan as the First Lady, about which American media had carried a strange story titled, “Hillary’s Musharraf”. Google search of the title can provide very interesting story related to Hillary, the First Lady of that time, when Musharraf was the Army Chief. For those taking everything on face value, it would help to get some clearer picture from the following: Much hyped Kerry-Lugar Bill (now edict after its signing by the President), provides a 5-year Plan of action costing $7.5 billion dollars of the US tax payers’ money, for finding and eliminating terror haunting the world’s strongest nation. This simply means that, at least for the next 5 years, the US Government is sure about its continued failures in finding and eliminating the terror-man Osama that it “claims”, is hiding in Pakistan. Strangely, this comes straight from Hillary, the spokesperson of the nation that can discover, catch and bring back to earth for further scientific analysis, samples from a very deep distant space object (NASA’s Stardust programe-1999-2006) which took the space craft a seven years journey, traveling billions of mile away. Some of these space objects (Asteroids) are space vagabond bodies that might become hostile to earth in distant future, in case they went astray to follow a collision course with earth. Efforts are in process for developing and applying corrective measures including destroying or diverting such objects in time, before they became dangerous to earth. Yet, the same mighty US, with all its means and devices at disposal, has failed in its efforts lasting over 8 years in finding and dealing with Osama, who is terrorizing it, right from the surface of this earth. The paradox is simply unbelievable. There are only two possibilities: Either Osama bin Laden is actually alive against all odds and is a deepest scar on pride of the US intelligence, of which he was once an ace operative and has double-crossed for which the US wants to settle its vendetta at any cost, or, he is actually dead after performing his intended role and is deliberately being kept alive in tales, for achieving some highly secret objectives of which he is an essential vital part even in his death. Otherwise, there is no sense in spending billions of dollars in efforts to locate and neutralize a critically sick person not seen by any reliable person for the last 8 years and keeping the whole world’s peace and economy hostage in the process. |
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| It seems like Americans have started to trust Pakistanis and learnt few things from their mistakes. USA need to build relationship to the People of Pakistan. All Pakistanis or Muslims are not terrorists. Hopefully, we will not be betrayed again. US people need to learn that we need to deal with problems and fix them rather than throwing them out of home. |
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