Waqas 48 Posted May 21, 2009 WASHINGTON: A US congressional committee approved a giant aid package for Pakistan but more political dealing was expected amid controversy over the conditions it imposes on Islamabad. The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved a plan to triple US aid to 1.5 billion dollars annually through the 2013 fiscal year, with a focus on development including improving education. The House bill would require a detailed account of spending and seek proof that Pakistan is clamping down on Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants including ending alleged support to extremists by rogue intelligence elements. Howard Berman, chairman of the House committee, rejected the criticism, saying the bill allowed flexibility if it was impossible to ascertain Pakistan''s actions. "Contrary to what some have said, these are not ''rigid'' or ''inflexible'' conditions," Berman said. He said the bill would "strengthen the critical US-Pakistan relationship and support US national security objectives in South Asia." John Kerry, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said earlier this month after meeting Zardari that the two chambers of Congress would finalize the bill quickly. The United States on Tuesday offered a separate 110 million dollars in emergency aid to Pakistan to help civilians fleeing a major military offensive against militants. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
