US budget 2016-17: Obama proposes $860m aid for Pakistan

Budget provides $265 million for military hardware in addition to counterinsurgency funds

US government has proposed US $860 million in aid for Pakistan during the 2016-17 fiscal year, including $265 million for military hardware in addition to counterinsurgency funds.

The funds were laid out in US President Barack Obama’s budget proposal and Secretary of State John Kerry’s proposals.



“The budget also provides $859.8 million towards sustaining cooperative relationships with Pakistan,” the State Department said, adding that it was also meant for making progress to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies.”

"The requested funding will support the country's counter-insurgency missions, and bolster stability, energy access, economic growth, and social reform," Kerry said in a letter accompanying his proposals, reported Times of India.

"Pakistan lies at the heart of the US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and economic integration in South and Central Asia," state department said of aid earmarked for Pakistan under the overseas contingency operations (OCO) fund.



"OCO resources will support critical US activities such as ensuring the safety of Pakistani nuclear installations, working with Pakistan to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan, and promoting improved relations with India," it said.

Under the overseas operations contingency budget, Pakistan will get $40 million.

Under the counterinsurgency fund (PCF), Pakistan will get $15 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th,  2016.