Pakistan can always not accept. What can we blackmail India with anyway?
Of course Pakistan can do that. And please don't get hung up on the word "blackmail" as I tried to explain the context above.
Knee-jerk reactions aside, having a US-backed ECO will work to Pakistan's advantage in increasing its leverage in the region, thereby alleviating the present weakness to some extent, and more importantly, preventing a steady slide downwards of influence for Pakistan.
Yes, Pakistan's deteriorating economy is a huge issue, to quote that famous phrase, "It's the economy, stupid!" (no offense intended).
