War on Terrorism and America’s Stance

Expressing concern over growing terrorism in Pakistan, U.S. State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said that protecting Pakistani citizens is the responsibility of the Pakistani government — that the U.S. has not taken charge of dealing with terrorism the world over.

The U.S. started war in this region for its own interests. Pakistan served the role of front-line ally in this war: About 55,000 of our citizens have lost their lives, while we suffered a financial loss of about $70 billion. Today, when the nooks and crannies of the country have been hollowed out by the war, the U.S. is adopting a policy of running away from responsibility. If the U.S. has not taken charge for the whole world, then why did it cross the seven seas to come here and start this war? The U.S. planted seeds of hatred in Afghanistan and Iraq by throwing bombs in those lands. As a result, the whole region is in the grip of terrorism today. Who else will be held responsible for the lives being lost in frequent bombings and suicide attacks?

The U.S. must now bring an end to the war, just as it started it, so that peace may be established in this region. Pakistan is protecting its citizens and will continue to do so, but the U.S. should offer Pakistan redress for the losses it has borne, so that help may be extended to those who were affected in order to enable them to stand on their feet again.