Pakistan’s parliament has approved a 14-point resolution with seemingly sweeping ramifications for the nation’s counterterrorism policy. Among other things, it calls for Pakistan to make dialogue with militant groups “the highest priority as a principal instrument of conflict management and resolution.” It also calls for Pakistan to pursue “an independent foreign policy” and to eventually replace military forces in the tribal ares with civilian law enforcement.

But the resolution’s wording is vague enough that both sides are claiming victory in its passing. Opposition members see it as a serious call for foreign policy change, while the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) claims the resolution is vindication of its present policies. Since the PPP would be the ones responsible for putting the resolution into effect their interpretation seems the most important. Which is to say, that the current policies are to remain in place.

With Pakistan’s dwindling security situation made all the more pressing by its rapidly collapsing economy, both Pakistan’s opposition and members of its ruling coalition have become increasingly discontented with the current government’s security policies, largely the same ones pursued by ousted President Pervez Musharraf. The US has applauded the government’s current policies, and has cautioned them against pursuing the peace talks offered by the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz