Recently, The New York Times has indicated that US government is buying military support from Pakistani authority in exchange of lump sum annual payment. Though, according to international convention, such monetary payment is totally illegal but US authority seems to prefer remunerating alliance parties to counter against Islamic militia.
The annual benefit extended to Pakistan equals to $1 billion. Due to obvious reason, this booty is not shown directly in country’s balance sheet. US pay the sum in the name of Coalition Support Fund. And the purpose they disclose is as reimbursement of military patrolling cost. Since September 11th, 2001, US authority is reported to have paid almost $5.6 billion.
But despite this huge cost, US authority is not getting desired output. It’s now a proven fact that Pakistani force has helped Al-Qaeda militants several times. Often they have fought against Afghani Force to provide safe passage to Talibans in Pakistan.
Such facts have generated sense dejection among American authorities. Some of them are even urging for rationalization of payment structure. They argue performance is not up to the mark and still numerous Taliban leaders are enjoying safe heaven in Pakistan. So, coalition-remuneration should be linked to the number of successful leads in fight against terrorism.
But situation is not going to be that easy for USA. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has remained pro-American and extended support to American authority several times. And currently he is going through the most critical stage in his political career. Domestic political uproar and countrywide protest by legal professionals are becoming serious threat before him. Destabilization of Musharraf will definitely unsettle USA’s move against Islamic militia in South Asia and that’s the reason they cannot cut their coalition booty drastically. They need Pakistan, and Pervez Musharraf is a better bet compared to other available options.
