US Congress passes bill to triple non-military aid to Pak
Lalit K Jha/ PTI / Washington Oct 01, 2009, 09:24 IST
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to triple non-military aid to Pakistan to USD7.5 billion in the next five years with riders demanding strong counter-terrorism measures and preventing attacks on the West or its neighbours like India.
The voice vote yesterday comes a week after Senate passed the bill unanimously. The Bicameral Legislation now goes to US President Barack Obama for his signature.
The bill also says the US President has to report annually that Pakistan is making progress on counter-terrorism measures and is not letting its soil being used by Al Qaeda, Taliban and other terrorist groups against other countries.
"We need to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, strengthen its democratic government, and work to make it a source of stability in a volatile region," said Congressman Howard L Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"Terrorists currently sheltered in Pakistan's lawless hinterlands are plotting to attack the United States. This legislation helps give Pakistan the tools to defeat al Qaeda," he said.
Content Guide
