Business Standard

Proposed US law threatens to cut Pak aid if NATO supply routes remain interrupted

Image

ANI Islamabad

A new proposed US law reportedly threatens of cutting down on Pakistan aid if Nato supply routes remain interrupted or are blocked.

The US National Defence Authorisation Bill of 2014 also requires a certification from US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel saying that Pakistan is taking appropriate actions against terrorists along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

According to the Express Tribune, the proposal comes amidst Hagel's visit to Pakistan, in which he had warned the leaders of consequences if they did not resolve protests stalling some military shipments across the border into Afghanistan.

The law could result in squeezing of the US aid programme that has sent billions of dollars to Islamabad.

 

The report said that the new US bill has been already approved by the House of Representatives and it includes extending funding to Pakistan for supporting the war against terrorism but with certain changes.

The funding has been reduced from 1.65 billion dollars in 2013 to 1.5billion dollars in 2014 as stated in a section of the bill titled 'Limitation on amounts available'.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office spokesperson has said that Pakistan is in contact with the US and currently no decision had been taken regarding stopping the aid, the report added.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Dec 21 2013 | 11:55 AM IST

Explore News