US aid to Pakistan blocked |
Ignoring objections of the White House, the Republican majority House of Representatives has approved the National Defense Authorisation Act which blocks $450 million aid to Pakistan for failing to take action against the dreaded Haqqani network.The NDAA 2017 (H R 4909) was passed by the US House of Representative (277-147) , which among others included approval of three major amendments reflecting the strong anti-Pak sentiment prevailing among the US lawmakers.As a result, as per the House version of the Bill, the Obama administration must certify that Pakistan has met before releasing $450 million in aid.Congressman Dana Rohrabacher`s amendment adds an additional requirement that the secretary of defense certify to Congress that Pakistan is not using its military or any funds or equipment provided by the US to persecute minority groups seeking political or religious freedom.The NDAA-2017 also includes the sense of the Congress that Shakil Afridi is an international hero and that the government of Pakistan should release him immediately from prison.NDAA-2017 now needs to be passed by the Senate, before it can be sent to the White House for the US President Barack Obama to sign it into law.
|
|
|
|