US Senate triples non-military aid to Pakistan

The US Senate today unanimously passed the revised version of the Kerry-Lugar bill which triples non-military aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion per annum, pledging America's long term commitment to its key ally against extremism.

An identical version of the bill was introduced in the house of representatives and is expected to be passed any time now. The announcement in this regard was made by US President Barack Obama during his address to a meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan at the UN headquarters in New York.

"For the first time in modern era the US congress has made a multi-year commitment to Pakistan," Richard Holbrooke, Obama's special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said in New York. Pakistan has already received a billion dollars pledged in Tokyo and 330 million dollars raised to support the country's refugees. "It isn't in my view enough. You all know that I think the world should help Pakistan even more but it is a very big commitment," Holbrooke said.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator John Kerry said: "The fact that President Obama was able to announce this at the United Nations sends an important message to Pakistan and the world of our strengthened commitment to this relationship.

"The legislation passed by the Senate incorporates House language compatible with the intent of the original bill, and is the product of two months of bicameral, bipartisan, and inter-branch consultation.

"We should make clear to the people of Pakistan that our interests are focused on democracy, pluralism, stability, and the fight against terrorism. These are values supported by a large majority of the Pakistani people," said Senator Dick Lugar, Ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee.

"If Pakistan is to break its debilitating cycle of instability, it will need to achieve progress on fighting corruption, delivering government services, and promoting broad based economic growth. The international community and the US should support reforms that contribute to the strengthening of Pakistani civilian institutions," he said.

Introducing the legislation in the House of Representatives, Congressman Howard Berman, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said: "After many weeks of discussion and negotiation, this step now clears the way for US efforts to help create a better future for Pakistan."

The legislation authorises military assistance to help Pakistan disrupt and defeat al Qaeda and insurgent elements, and requires that such assistance be focused principally on helping Pakistan with its critical counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism efforts.