US Should Acknowledge Pakistan Army’s Sacrifices

Pakistan has undoubtedly made the biggest sacrifices of life and material in the war on terrorism. It bore a financial loss of 70 billion rupees and, according to a BBC report, suffered the loss of 49,000 lives, including 15,500 security personnel. Even today, the Pakistan army is conducting an operation in North Waziristan against terrorists, who continue to threaten Pakistan’s security.

In spite of this, America’s sympathies and favors are for India. Before telling the world about Pakistan’s sacrifices, America should recognize these sacrifices itself, at least. Even the Coalition Support Fund, which is specifically designated for compensating losses borne in the war against terrorism, is subjected to severe U.S. stipulations for Pakistan, although this aid is neither alms nor a loan.

The U.S. is equipping India with its deadly arms. If the U.S. ignores Pakistan’s sacrifices at this difficult hour, then the people of Pakistan will question their rulers about the purpose of bringing the war on terror into its own house.

Even now, the army is conducting an operation in North Waziristan. If the U.S. wishes to improve its relations with Pakistan’s army, then it should help it fill its defense needs. It should also ensure that attacks on Pakistan’s territory from U.S.-controlled Afghanistan are immediately stopped, so that the Pakistan army can focus on completing its North Waziristan operation.