Imran’s party’s blockade of Nato supplies ‘hurting’ Pak army’s interests: Experts

Peshawar –  Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s ongoing suspension of Nato supplies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is against Pakistan military’s interest, security experts have said.

The experts said that the military couldn’t afford to remain indifferent to the move, which will harm its interest directly and indirectly.

Brig (r) Mohammad Saad, a former military attaché at Pakistan Embassy in Kabul, said that the National Logistics Cell, a military outfit, has a major stake (business) in Nato supply operations and the same has experienced a hit because of the shipments’ suspension.

According to Dawn News, PTI and its coalition partners have set up Nato supply blockade camps at five points in four districts of the province since November 23 in protest against the US drone strikes in Pakistan.

Brig (r) Saad said if the U.S. slowed assistance it would result in economic problems for the country, which would be harmful for the army, too.

Khalid Aziz, former chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said Pakistan could face troubles if the US influenced International Monetary Fund and World Bank besides delaying the Coalition Support Fund assistance to Pakistan, the report said.

Dr Hassan Askari Rizvi, a defence analyst, said that Pakistan would get major trade concessions from European Union starting from Jan 1, 2014, which could also be jeopardised.

Experts concluded that the friendly working relationship with Nato member countries is vital for Pakistan military.