Pak-US strategic talks going to be meaningless: Sources

ISLAMABAD - The much-anticipated Pak-US strategic dialogue, scheduled to be held in Washington on March 24, would end without any major breakthrough from Pakistan’s perspective, as the US is unlikely to address Islamabad’s “national security concerns” regarding India, diplomatic sources have warned.

“The strategic dialogue process would be of no meaning, as the US authorities failed to address Pakistan’s national security concerns relating to India,” The Nation quoted military sources, as saying.

They added that the future of bilateral co-operation between Pakistan and the US would largely depend on Washington’s willingness to address Pakistan’s security concerns.

“The US has ostensibly taken position that it would not address Pakistan’s concerns relating to India, which shows the level sincerity being exhibited by the US officials in addressing Pakistan’s national security concerns”, a source said.

The source added that American lollypops like the Kerry Lugar Bill would not be enough to satisfy Pakistan and the US would have to recognise the country as a legitimate nuclear-armed state.

“If US can recognise India as a legitimate nuclear armed state, what stops the US authorities in according Pakistan the same concessions,” the source said.

The other issues Islamabad is likely to raise during the crucial dialogues are: the Indo-Afghan propaganda against Pakistan army and its intelligence agencies, India’s involvement in Balochsitan nd its constant efforts to destabilise Pakistan through the Afghan border and Pak-Afghan border management. (ANI)