Kerry will have to walk a tightrope in Pakistan

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will be walking a tightrope on terrorism as he begins the U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue in Islamabad, telling officials to crack down on groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba, even as he deals with the unhappiness over the delay in funding promised to the country.

Mr. Kerry, who landed in Pakistan after attending the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Ahmedabad, is likely to discuss some of India’s concerns, expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over anti-India terror groups that continue to operate in Pakistan. Speaking to reporters in Gandhinagar on Monday, Mr. Kerry said the U.S. was “working to strengthen” India’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Last week, the government reacted sharply whenThe Hindu had reported on the U.S. commitment of $532 million in civilian aid under the Kerry Lugar Bill, and reports of the U.S. certifying Pakistani action against groups, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The State Department denied that the U.S. had notified Congress for the aid, but added that the aid could be disbursed through “additional funding.” As a result, Pakistani newspapers have criticised India for stalling the funds, adding to the already high tensions between the two countries over firing across the Line of Control.

Officials in Islamabad had said Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would bring up what they called “India’s aggression” at a dinner on Monday.

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz criticised Mr. Modi in an interview to Dawn News , saying: “India’s stance has been non-cooperative since the formation of the Modi government.”

He also accused India of “carrying out attacks” on Pakistan from Afghan soil, but gave no proof or further details to support the allegation. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin reacted sharply to the comments, saying: “It should be clear the challenge that safe havens pose to peace and security in the region.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Kerry has his task cut out, discussing the strategic relationship with Pakistan’s leaders, including Army chief General Raheel Sharif, on issues like security in Afghanistan after the U.S. pullout and future civilian and military aid requirements for Pakistan, even as he attempts to send a stern message on action against terror groups based there.

“Part of the Secretary’s core message will be to ensure that actions are met with a real and sustained effort to constrain the ability of the Haqqani network, the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Afghan Taliban and other militants who pose a threat to regional stability and to direct U.S. interests,” a senior U.S. official was quoted by The New York Times as saying.

Earlier this week, the newspaper also questioned U.S. foreign policy on Pakistan over the report about $532 million in aid, in an editorial titled, ‘Is Pakistan worth America’s investment?’