Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan was ready to sort out its fractured relationship with the US, adding that the move had the backing of the armed forces. He said after inaugurating a photo exhibition held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts to commemorate 50 years of the country’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, that there are some misunderstandings with the US and they are ready to resolve them. The latest denouncement in bilateral ties that began with the US raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound continues despite several initiatives from both sides to halt the downside.

After the partial suspension of military aid and initiation of a bill for restrictions on civilian aid to Pakistan in the US Congress, ISI chief Gen Shuja Pasha visited Washington for mending troubled intelligence cooperation and an impression was subsequently given that the two sides were backing down from brinksmanship that had characterized their relations over the past few months. However, soon afterwards, the arrest of Kashmiri leader Ghulam Nabi Fai in the US for allegedly lobbing for Pakistan was taken here as an indicator of changing US policy nuances towards the region.

Replying to a question about the military’s position on ties with the US, the prime minister said that they are all on the same page. Pakistani military made a similar indication in curtain raiser of ISPR on the event issued to the media saying that Pakistan Army understands the cost of peace and is always prepared for any sacrifice for the sake of national as well as international peace and security. At the core of these frayed ties is a strategic disconnect over counter-terrorism strategy and certain operational differences. According to some, the recent military operation in Kurram Agency as a prelude to an operation in North Waziristan for which the US has been pressing hard for long.

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