US Blinks First: Apologises as 8 Month Long Supply Blockade Lifted by Pakistan
PKKH Exclusive | by Tabish Qayyum
ISLAMABAD – In what is bound to be an unpopular decision, Pakistan has agreed to restore (GLOC) route for the NATO supplies after the Americans gave in to Pakistan Army’s demand of an apology for the Salala massacre in November lat year.
Pakistan had shut off two key land supply routes in the aftermath of what it called a ‘deliberate’ attack, resulting in the death of 22 of its soldiers.
According to latest reports, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accepted that Salala attack was a mistake on US’s part and apologized for the incident. An official statement is still expected from government of Pakistan.
Earlier President Obama claimed that he is expecting good news from Pakistan while General John Allen also apologized on the incident that was considered as the main bone of contention that was hindering the resumption process. There were indications of this outcome since Gen. John Allen, who was on his second visit to Pakistan in the last few days, indulged in an intense dialogue with Pakistani counterparts who are said to have discussed a long list of demands with regards to Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan’s future. Top of the list of these demands was an unconditional apology for the Salala massacre.
“The continued closure of supply lines not only infringes on our relationship with the U.S., but also on our relations with the 49 other member states of NATO/ISAF,” Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf told senior government and military officials, according a statement issued by his office earlier.
Since the blockade on 26 November 2011, US has suffered huge economic constraints due to the cost of supplying its forces through the expensive alternate routes of Central Asia. Pentagon has asked Congress to shift billions of dollars in the defense budget to pay for added fuel costs to ferry supplies to Afghanistan after Pakistan closed its border to NATO convoys, U.S. officials said Monday.
In an 82-page letter to congressional defense committees, the Pentagon requested “reprogramming” $8.2 billion in funds previously approved to finance more urgent priorities, officials said, AFP reported. There were “some unanticipated costs that we just didn’t foresee,” spokesman Captain John Kirby told reporters.
Government is expected to face huge backlash from Difa-e-Pakistan Council that comprises of some of the most hard line parties such as Jamat-e-Islami, Jamat-ud-Dawa and Jamiyat-ulema-e-Islam who have announced a ‘Long March’ in case supplies are restored.
Addressing the convention on Sunday, Chairman DPC Maulana Sami-ul-Haq said that the rulers of Pakistan have become salves of America whose drone attacks have been killing innocent citizens of the country. He asked as to why the government did not approach the UN to get the drone attacks stopped. Only an hour ago, Imran khan leader of PTI has also shown his resentment on the expected resumption and vowed to protest in case it happens.
Tensions have remained high between US and Pakistan as US closes towards 2014 deadline of withdrawal from Afghanistan shifting its role to training and assistance. There have been numerous incidents where NATO containers were attacked. DPC has categorically stated that it will protest and resist in a non-violent manner, with more political parties such as PTI expected to join, it is yet to be seen how relations between US and PAK develop from where they have been so far.
More on this story soon.
Tabish Qayyum is the co-founder of Defense and Geo-Political Magazine Fortress and Investigative Journalist at PKKH. He is also a writer and educational consultant. He can be reached on twitter @tabesch.
Statement by Secretary Clinton on her Call With Pakistani Foreign Minister Khar
Secretary of State
This morning, I spoke by telephone with Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.
I once again reiterated our deepest regrets for the tragic incident in Salala last November. I offered our sincere condolences to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives. Foreign Minister Khar and I acknowledged the mistakes that resulted in the loss of Pakistani military lives. We are sorry for the losses suffered by the Pakistani military. We are committed to working closely with Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again.
As I told the former Prime Minister of Pakistan days after the Salala incident, America respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and is committed to working together in pursuit of shared objectives on the basis of mutual interests and mutual respect.
In today’s phone call, Foreign Minister Khar and I talked about the importance of taking coordinated action against terrorists who threaten Pakistan, the United States, and the region; of supporting Afghanistan’s security, stability, and efforts towards reconciliation; and of continuing to work together to advance the many other shared interests we have, from increasing trade and investment to strengthening our people-to-people ties. Our countries should have a relationship that is enduring, strategic, and carefully defined, and that enhances the security and prosperity of both our nations and the region.
The Foreign Minister and I were reminded that our troops – Pakistani and American – are in a fight against a common enemy. We are both sorry for losses suffered by both our countries in this fight against terrorists. We have enhanced our counter-terrorism cooperation against terrorists that threaten Pakistan and the United States, with the goal of defeating Al-Qaida in the region.
In addition, I am pleased that Foreign Minister Khar has informed me that the ground supply lines (GLOC) into Afghanistan are opening. Pakistan will continue not to charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region. This is a tangible demonstration of Pakistan’s support for a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan and our shared objectives in the region. This will also help the United States and ISAF conduct the planned drawdown at a much lower cost. This is critically important to the men and women who are fighting terrorism and extremism in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Khar has informed me that, consistent with current practice, no lethal equipment will transit the GLOC into Afghanistan except for equipping the ANSF. In concluding the call, I reiterated our deep appreciation to the Government and the people of Pakistan for their many sacrifices and their critical contribution to the ongoing fight against terrorism and extremism.
PRN: 2012/1084
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/07/194502.htm#.T_MhelPIHuY.twitter
Opinion: Article 31 and 62/63 
An Open Letter To All Pakistanis, From Kashmir 
Opinion: Saudi Labor Law and Pakistani Expats 
Opinion: Shut-Up FEMEN! 
Opinion : Opinion: India – Women in Search of Identity in the Rape Capital of the World 
You call this an “apology”? This is complete capitulation by Pakistan. And no transit fees for NATO containers despite Rs. 100 billion worth of damage to Pakistan’s road network.
My thoughts exactly. The reason that the gov wanted an apology is so that they won’t be seen as submissive once again to the US. They only wanted it to open the supply route ASAP. I saw many posts on this site asking for an apology. But why do the common ppl want it so bad? Just to get this meaningless victory? What purpose does an apology serve the ppl of Pakistan? None at all. And now look. we opened the routes and we didn’t even get anything in return… and for those who think the army had nothing to do with it, u should realize by now that this was done most definitely with the blessings of the military leadership. I wonder how the rest of the soldiers feel about this decision?
I agree this is not an apology. How many millions did Generals got to open the GLOC’s? Who cares about Jawans laying their lives. These corrupt generals eating up the country along with corrupt politicians. Time for their end is coming sooner then they think.
Now all Pakistani politicians have no moral support. people of pakistan should understand that’s how corrupt western democracy work. may Allah make them pay for their sins in this world and afterworld.
don’t forget your corrupt generals. Hired Mercenary Pak Army Generals.
This is what religious fanatics sound like…
What a shame and humiliation could be bigger than this. It was not a matter of blinking first. The resolution passed by Pak parliment on this issue clearly says that only non-military supplies could be restored (only after certain conditions). It also suggested to place heavy duties and fees on these supplies. All that is being ignored and the sacred blood of our soldiers is being sold out for peanuts by resuming military supplies to war criminals in Afghanistan. It is shame. I think we deserve such a disgraceful treatment because we have such a coward leaders. Unless we have sincere and visionary leadership, we shall keep offering our soldiers’ blood, letting them murder our innocent children and women in drone attacks, and still getting humiliated in a consistent manner.
This is a humiliation only to the fanatics and Taliban supporters…real peace loving people like those in the 50 countries of NATO know that the war mongering Jihadis and their fanatical supporters are the enemy of all including peaceful Muslims…
No.America did not blink first,as details are coming out.
Pakistan’s problem is ” QAHT UR RIJJAL “.No statesmen in Pakistan.Media to be blamed for not leaving any personality un-disputed.
Sorry, PAKISTAN BLINKED FIRST!
THE NATO HAS HISTORY of KILLING INNOCENT MUSLIM ! see the clear EVIDENCE at ICC(basically racist whiteman’s institution) TRIAL RATO MALDIC whereby CLEAR ORDERS WERE GIVEN BY THE NATO to kill MUSLIMS in SBRENICIA
Here Pakistan Government is adding bad Abbetting CRIME against its own citizens and AFGHANS
Pakistan Awwal, Pakistan Aakhir, Saya-a-Khuda-a Zuljilaal, Amiin.
Pure and utter shame. The lives of our brave slain brethren of 26/11/2011 by the blood thirsty Zionist USA and NATO is of little consequence? Is there no moral ground on which any of us can stand on?
Ya ALLAH, make us all of those who clearly obey and ask of You, and only You. Grant us all forgiveness and abundant hidayah. Grant us the strength to eradicate all forms of tyranny, aamiin.
Pakistan Zindabaad, Paendabaad.
ALLAHU-AKBAR!
bloodshed in Pakistan————————– the hell with opening the criminals to kill our brothers——-I hate the scumbag Pakistani government.
you voted for them (or were too lazy not to vote for them)…. either way, it’s your fault.
There was no apology man. There was no money raised. There was no end to drone strikes.
This government is dead to me as it should be to all Pakistanis as the real government is sitting in the white house.
Bull S@*T. We do not accept this apology. Wakeup Pakistan if we don’t stop them now these weapon will be used against us. Stop them from killing our own brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. Rise up now to save the country from Asif ali Gadari (PPP), Altaf harami (MQM), Nawaz gandoo PML (N), Asfand Yar koni (ANP), Maulana Diesel and PML (Q) Fagot Chodrys.
Agree with the comments above. It is a shame indeed!If they were to open the supply routes at least they could have asked for more money.
Freinds, I’d share my point of veiw based on observation.
The above decision currently taken by Islamabad is somehow good…Imagine?
It seems that the US and India have deep interest to make deteriorate Pakistani’s image across the globe by supporting militants and terrorist, even with Pakistan all weather friends i.e. Saudi, China. This may turn rest nations in the world to re-think its relation with Pakistan & may reluctant & sterns to the Pakistanis living across.
Presently India is not in mood to evolve ongoing peace talks with Pakistan. Since they start blaming PAK ISI and Army after Jandal detention with US help and their deepen ties as well.
At this point, it is good to have Pak decision for re-opening the line; in fact the barking dogs will go back to the cave to think for another plot.
All the best bloody peoples…
This is a SHABKHOON on our nation and country, if we accept this SHABKHOON, we’ll be distoryed from this earth. Standup to stop this SHABKHOON of our enemies on our country and on our nation.
Those ten thousond truck drivers and their helpers and their famlies are GADDARS.
GIVE YOUR BLOOD TODAY FOR ISLAM AND PAKISTAN, NOW OR NEVER!!!
It is good to see that the Pakistan government finally came to its senses to support the 50 NATO countries. There may be some hope for the intelligent Pakis to overcome the misguided religious fanatics that are ruining their country.
This is not an apology. Go show this so called apology to shaheeds’ families and they will show you what it is by hitting your dumb brain. How many millions did Generals got to open the GLOC’s. Who cares about Jawans laying their lives. These corrupt generals eating up the country along with corrupt politicians. Time for their end is coming sooner then they think.
I love it how PKKH is desperately trying to portray this as a good thing. This was all a drama. We all knew that Pakistan would eventually open the route and the USA would mumble a “sorry – my bad… oops”.
And as usual – like in the Raymond Davis case, people are left holding their proverbial @)#@# in their hands after a proper KLPD !!