No alternative to cooperation

Nearly three weeks after a Nato attack on Pakistani border posts that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, relations between the US and Pakistan have hit a low. Islamabad has sealed its Afghan border to Nato convoys, and the closure entered the 17th day yesterday. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says this blockade is likely to stay in place for another two weeks.

As a result, the movement of commercial cargo at Pakistan's two seaports in the south has been severely hampered as stranded Nato supplies clog the container terminals. And gunmen have attacked Nato oil tankers stranded in southwest Pakistan.

On the other hand, one of the key demands by Pakistan following the attacks has been met — US troops are leaving the airbase in Shamsi. US President Barack Obama has telephoned his Pakistan counterpart Asif Ali Zardari to offer his condolences over the strike, but Washington has stopped short of apologising.

In light of these developments, Pakistan says it is reviewing the terms of engagement with the US and its western allies. While Pakistan actively pursues a policy to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, it will be good for both countries to come to an understanding sooner than later. Both have a lot to gain in cooperating with each other, especially in the fight against terror, and for this to succeed, the need for a rapprochement cannot be underplayed.