Context
Islamabad told US it would retaliate if American forces attempt to launch a unilateral strike. Chief Lt General Ahmed Shuja Pasha of the ISI delivered the warning to CIA chief, David Petraeus in a meeting in Washington. According to reports, Pakistani officials felt betrayed by the remarks of US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. Mullen accused Islamabad of supporting the Haqqani network which has been responsible for deadly attacks on US troops in Afghanistan.
Amongst rising tension, officials from both countries made efforts to calm tempers. The US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter is reported to have met Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir as well as President Zardari. Washington, US Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman also phoned the Pakistan Envoy to the US, Hussain Haqqani on Wednesday to bring the situation under control.
