Islamabad : There is recognition in both Pakistan and the US that
the two countries need each other even though there have been events
that have given rise to mutual distrust, said Pakistan's Ambassador to
the US Husain Haqqani.
In an interview with WTOP radio, the envoy also sought understanding of Islamabad's perspective in the US.
Haqqani said two incidents this year - a unilateral US action on
Osama bin Laden's hideout in Abbottabad and the killing of two
Pakistanis by a CIA contractor - have led to a negative image of the US
among people.
"When the Americans come into Pakistan in a military fashion,
unilaterally with guns blazing, essentially they are creating fear
amongst the populace which, instead of looking upon them as friends,
starts being suspicious," Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Haqqani
as saying in Washington.
"There are enough suspicions about the US in Pakistan already," said Haqqani.
"There is a lot of negativity, which the US needs to fight to change
public opinion and win over hearts and minds, but in a circumstance
like that, to do something like this, results in more negativity."
The ambassador went on to say that Pakistanis "continue to see
America as a fickle ally (and) Americans continue to doubt Pakistan's
commitment in eliminating all forms of terrorism from our soil. But
underneath it all there is also recognition that both countries need
each other". IANS
