US Congress rejects bill seeking stoppage of assistance to Pakistan
Pakistan
The bill was voted out 298-132 last week “underlining importance of bilateral US ties with Pakistan"
(Web Desk) – The US Congress thwarted a move to stop defence assistance to Pakistan due to ongoing crackdown on dissident political party.
Last month, Tennessee Republican Andy Ogles tabled a bill to amend the US Appropriations bill seeking stoppage of US assistance to Pakistan “to discourage the ongoing crackdown on political dissent”.
The bill was voted out 298-132 last week “underlining the importance of bilateral ties of Washington with Islamabad”.
During the debate, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Barbara Lee argued against stopping of assistance to Pakistan.
Ms Jackson termed the move “misguided” and “does not reflect the government and people of Pakistan”.
She noted that both the nations have a “multifaceted and diverse relationship” driven by cooperation in areas such as defence, counterterrorism, trade, investment, and education.
“During the intense phases of the Afghan war, many Pakistani soldiers laid down their lives fighting terrorism,” she added.
Ms Barbara argued that the US assistance to Pakistan was “essential to maintain stability in the region, address extremism and promote peace and security.”
US assistance to Pakistan was “not just strategically significant” but also reflected “our humanitarian concern for those who have suffered from the devastation” caused by last year’s floods.
In FY 2024, $135 million has been earmarked for Pakistan to be spent for economic support, a health programme, military education and training, and to counter narcotics and terrorism.
Congressman Ogles, in his statement, criticised former prime minister for welcoming Taliban’s victory in August 2021 and praising them for breaking the shackles of slavery. He also levelled some baseless allegations against Pak¬istan before 2021.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington, Masood Khan, welcomed “this right decision by the US Congress” and said that it “reflects the current phase of positive and productive engagement” between Pakistan and the US in multiple domains. “We should build on this foundation to take our relationship to higher levels.”
