US lawmakers move bill to designate Pakistan a terrorist state

Bill highlights bilateral relations on a downward trajectory between the two, ostensibly major allies in the 'WoT'

In a shocking move, two US lawmakers have moved a bill to designate Pakistan as a 'state sponsor of terrorism', Times of India reported Wednesday.

The move testifies to growing complexity of relations between the two ostensibly major allies in the 'war against terror.'  The bill, HR 6069 or the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act, enjoins the US administration to make a formal call on the matter within four months of its passage.



The president will have to issue a report within 90 days, followed by the Secretary of State who will in the remaining 30 days detail whether or not Pakistan has provided support for international terrorism and provide detailed justification as to why Pakistan should not be designated as such.

The bill was moved by 'renowned Indian lobbyists' Congressman Ted Poe from Texas and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher of California. "Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the United States for years. From harbouring Osama bin Laden to its cozy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the war on terror. And it's not America's," Poe said in a statement on Tuesday announcing the bill. ''It is time we stop paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism,'' he added.

In a separate statement, Poe condemned the attack on the Uri military camp in India, saying it was the "latest consequence of Pakistan's longstanding irresponsible policy of supporting and providing operational space for 'jihadi' terrorist groups."



The developments come on the morning of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech before the UN, in which he is expected to highlight the "Kashmir issue" and India's human rights violation in the state.

This article originally appeared on Times of India.