Islamabad receives Hillary with caution and restraint

Thu, Oct 29 10:55 AM

Karachi, Oct. 29 -- While many in Pakistan are looking with interest at the visit of Hillary Clinton, there are some who dismiss it as "mere window dressing.

" Analyst Shamim Ur Rehman says the perception in Pakistan is that Clinton comes to Pakistan to sell the Kerry Lugar Bill. "The Americans have not taken into account any of the reservations over the bill that were expressed by different quarters in Pakistan but instead and doubling their efforts at selling it instead.

" In its commentary, the right-wing Nation newspaper observed: "The real issue is the intrusive US micromanagement of Pakistan that is already underway. The extent of the handing over of sovereignty to the Americans is only being revealed bit by scandalous bit.

" The feeling among commentators in Pakistan is that Clinton's message should be matched by actions. This is not happening.

At the same time, they say, US demands on Pakistan continue to be increasing. Relations between the two countries also seem to be unpredictable.

Analysts say while American relations with the Zardari government seem to be good, the same cannot say with other centres of power in Pakistan. There is anger in many quarters.

Former foreign secretary Shamshad Ahmad says that the impression that the US engagement in Pakistan isn't people specific has been enforced by legislative measures which are demeaning for Pakistan and betray insensitivity to Pakistan's legitimate security concerns. Sensing this, Clinton talked to the local media and clarified that the Kerry Lugar bill "does not stop or restrict Pakistan's nuclear programme".

She also said the US is aware of Pakistan's energy crisis and unemployment issues and "we will provide support for it.".

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