US plans more aid to lift Pakistan economy

On the heels of a $3 billion aid package for defence and development purposes to Pakistan in June, the US Administration has said more aid could be given to the country for economic development and modernisation.

This is seen as part of a general US perspective that it will be good for India if the economic reforms programme launched by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf succeeds. "It is in India's interest to see that Musharraf succeeds in his economic reforms," said a Pentagon official who did not wish to be named.

According to him, Indo-Pak relationship has improved considerably and it will become better if the reforms introduced by Musharraf succeeds. This is the clearest indication that the US does not wish to undermine Musharraf or set the fledgling civilian political leadership of Pakistan against the military leader.

According to him, the US' support to Musharraf towards building a modern Pakistan is extremely significant and important for India. "A modern Pakistan, which has its macroeconomic situation in place, is important because this will help Indo-Pak relationship," he said.

The official pointed out "positive development" in Indo-US relationships in the recent past. "Indo-US relationships were not in the deep freeze. I would say they were in the ice box. It was an anomalous situation. Now things have changed. There are distinct signs of development in the relationship," the official said.

Hinting at a shift in US policy vis-a-vis South Asia's, the Pentagon official said: "It is not either India or Pakistan for the US. We are in favour of bilateral relationships with both the countries. This is not a zero sum game. We will not look for something which is good for Pakistan and hence bad for India and vice-versa."

The official said the US' aid to Pakistan notwithstanding, its fight against "Islamic extremism" would continue. Clarifying that "Islamic extremism" was a "common usage" for terrorism, the official said use of violence against civilian population to achieve political goals was condemnable. He also pointed out that extremist groups active in Kashmir and Afghanistan comprised Muslims.

On being asked whether Pakistan President Musharraf was serious about fighting terrorism and discouraging terrorist activities in Kashmir, the official said: "We presume Musharraf is correct. We take his commitment seriously."