With reports in US media now being confirmed by government officials, CIA director Williams Burns recently made a secret visit to Islamabad. The United States is exiting Afghanistan but they are still seeking to stay in the region and are now looking towards Pakistan.
The CIA chief held meetings with top military officials to explore counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries. The US is more interested in looking for bases where it can gather intelligence on Afghanistan after it withdraws troops from there. When this visit took place has not exactly disclosed by either side but it is said to have taken place in late April. This was followed by reports that Pakistan had assured full cooperation and might host US airbases, which have been vehemently denied by the government.
There have been discussions between Pakistan and US on multiple levels including talks between Foreign Minister Qureshi and Secretary of State Blinken, and Defense Secretary Austin with Gen Bajwa. In late May, National Security Advisor Mooed Yusuf, who is making his mark on foreign policy, flew to Geneva to meet his counterpart Jake Sullivan and agreed to advance cooperation. However, there has been no contact between heads of government ever since Biden took office.
What exactly has been discussed may be kept under wraps, it has been known that Pakistan has refused to host drone bases for future operations in Afghanistan. The US demand or keen interest would have kept Pakistan in the blind as it cannot distance itself from China or antagonize the Taliban. This impasse is now being portrayed as a ‘no’ for Pakistan would want to keep its relevance after US exits Afghanistan.
Pakistan has a history of giving military bases to United States. During the 1960s, it denied giving the Badaber base near Peshawar until the infamous U2 incident. The Musharraf regime gave airbases in Balochistan which remained in control till 2011. An outright refusal right now could mean further isolation for Pakistan and even more pressure from global institutions.
As a result, Pakistan could seek possible concessions if the demand is being acceded. This was followed by reports that IMF allowed economic concessions for the federal budget, which gives traction that there has been cooperation. There will be intense public backlash and pressure from allies which could lead to a resurgence in terrorism. Pakistan should be prepared for the fallout. Instead of giving the US a military base, Pakistan should work for peace efforts in Afghanistan.
