Pakistan

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'

News Desk September 21, 2016

PHOTO: ONLINE

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.

Modi wants Pakistan immediately isolated after Uri attacks

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."

PM seeks world leaders’ help to end Indian bloodshed in Kashmir

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.

COMMENTS (75)

kaash | 7 years ago | Reply @masood: Thank you Masood! At least there is one Pakistani bold enough to accept the fact that USA has used Pakistan and ' ...kicked into the dustbin....". You agree that Pakistan was a friend of USA ; please do not mind if India is friend of USA now!

masood | 7 years ago | Reply USA is a very bad enemy, but an even worse friend. India has yet to learn it's lessons about friendship with USA. For now, let Indians enjoy their honeymoon. Pakistanis know how it feels like when an ally slaps sanctions, and threatens dire consequences. U.S. investments in China are many times more than in India. When push comes to shove, USA would kick India into the dustbin, like they have done to Pakistan.

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Milind | 7 years ago | Reply @Ahsan - Don't compare your country with Iran. Iranians are quite sensible and self-sufficient unlike they're potrayed in the Western media, whilst you guys are not even half as clever as you claim to be.. The Iranians have grit and determination and don't fold like a tissue paper , doing a U turn, upon a call from Washington.

Gurm Hawa | 7 years ago | Reply Politics and politicians change by the day. Hot air and nothing else.

Haris | 7 years ago | Reply These congressmen are nothing but a joke. Don't even think about sanctions on Pakistan when China is investing so much in Pak, not only financially but strategically.

Oommen | 7 years ago | Reply Iraq and Syria were weakened economically first...."North Korean" life awaits terror sponsors !

Daredevil | 7 years ago | Reply @Rehman: You are mostly right except the part about CPEC. If the US designates Pakistan a State sponsor of terrorism & puts it on its OFAC list, it means any country or company that does any business with Pakistan will be punished with billions in fines or barred from access to US consumer & capital markets. China does $600 billion worth trade with US & has invested hundreds of billions more in US securities. Do you think China will jeapirdize all that for Pakistan? Absolutely not!

ABDUL ANDANI | 7 years ago | Reply @FAZ: they both senetar help by indian lobbiest

Kitto | 7 years ago | Reply Grapes are sour.

quatro | 7 years ago | Reply @Sami: China is playing smart working with Pakistan to control the larger share of the economic power in the region that’s why America hates Pakistan . Who do you think is China's largest economic partner? Hint - it ain't Pakistan and it's flag is red/white/blue. You really think China is going to side with Pakistan in any major dispute with the USA? Can you recall China coming to Pakistan's aid on drones? Anti USA blather is popular in Pakistan but it seldom has substance - same goes for the myth that China is going to defend Pakistan in any dispute with the USA .. nonsense.

Aleem | 7 years ago | Reply "In a shocking setback"...the usual Indian nonsense. This move was expected given Indian lobbying efforts on the Hill so nobody in the GoP is surprised. At the end of the day, the US will have to decide whether its worth it to support India at the cost of setting back relations with Pakistan which even though are far from perfect, yet very important for US interests in Afghanistan. China has already come out in favor of Pakistan and has voiced its support for talks between Pakistan and India to sort out the issues.

HZR | 7 years ago | Reply @Nikki: It has no money unless IMF or world bank lend these amounts..

Zen | 7 years ago | Reply Here we see chest beating comments. The same people were crying after US asked them to pay full for the F-16s and could not pay. What you people do not understand is with economic sanctions, all your exports (20 billion) and imports (43 billion) and remittances (20+billion) will be stopped. Iran could stand a few years of sanctions because of China and India with the import of oil. Has Pakistan oil for them to support it. Stop comparing a terrorist state with an oil producing state.

Ali S | 7 years ago | Reply @Ahsan: And yet still everyone here lines up for a US visa and dreams of a green card. It is Pakistan who is on the wrong side and it's up to us to correct the course for our own sake, regardless of what US and India think.

Sami | 7 years ago | Reply It doesn't matter what Americans think. China is the future, America is the past. The reason why America is still in Afghanistan is because they know Asia is the future economic power and they want a share of it. China is playing smart working with Pakistan to control the larger share of the economic power in the region that's why America hates Pakistan. America hates CPEC but they don't make it public unlike India.

linus | 7 years ago | Reply @Black Hawk: exactly.. paki is a prostitute country who dances on the tunes of any other countries which throws money :-)

Humza | 7 years ago | Reply @Rehman: You really think the world doesn't see the games that India is playing? Indian occupied Kashmir is the real issue and most analysts and government officials understand this. The Indian lobbyists in the US have been at this game for a long while with little impact so let them continue to do what they wish. It's democracy. Pakistan and the world knows what India is up to.

Rao | 7 years ago | Reply @Khan: You are right. The bill will not go through , for US is still dependent on route for US supplies to Afghanistan via Pakistan. On the other hand Pakistan might even get generous aid in the form of military supplies and dollars to refrain from such terrorist activities against India and Afghanistan. Believe me!

Rao | 7 years ago | Reply @rajesh: Passing a bill in US Congress won't be difficult. It is just a tokenism. What is needed is enforcement. US has so many problems on its mind, such as domestic issues, balance of payment, N. Korea, Iran, disoutes in South China Sea etc., it will be left to India to look after its interest short of hot war!

kaash | 7 years ago | Reply @M Faisal: America can call "us" by whatever name they want provided that they keep sending us their billions of dollars every year!

curious2 | 7 years ago | Reply Any of the 100 Members of the House of Representatives can propose a bill/law - most don't even make it to the floor for a vote. These two guys are noted for anti Pakistan bills - none has ever been passed and enacted as law and they rarely even get mentioned by American news media.

Abhijeet | 7 years ago | Reply @khan: Hey, no chest thumping for 4 cowardly militants who can't fight man to man. Or is that Pakistan's definition of bravery?

Saeed Masood | 7 years ago | Reply Very American friendship...

kulbhushan yadav | 7 years ago | Reply @Ahsan: Iran has oil so it could sustain. Pakistan won't survive a month if US puts sanction. YOur friend CHina would just watch the show from fences. Saudis would stop giving cheap oil and Iran would make sure you pay premium.

Thomas | 7 years ago | Reply @Saad Nazim: And was he on the right side ?? Well he got what he wished. LOL :-P

Suhas | 7 years ago | Reply @Ahsan: Iran is a self sustained and self reliant country which exports petroleum products.During the time of sanctions, Pakistan did not buy oil from them, but India supported in all matters. India was the only nation which did not care for US sanctions and purchased oil from Iran and supplied other material. In case sanctions are imposed on Pakistan, where will you buy oil?. Iran will not supply as you did not help them during their time and you listened to USA. Saudi is an USA ally, forget any support from them.And also you did not help them in Yemen war. Forget UAE support. They have deported more than 30K pakistanis working in UAE. They listen to Saudhi and USA. China won't produce oil and don't expect any help as their billions of trade with USA and India will get affected. Chinese economy is already suffering. Still you find any reason to celebrate, go ahead.

Titan | 7 years ago | Reply @FAZ: A Bill in the US Congress is supposed to be proposed by only 2 people & not 100. Its not a vote, which will happen later. Whether the bill passes this time or not, what it means is that at the very least Pakistan will be exposed & humiliated internationally.

khan | 7 years ago | Reply So, India went into a huddle, with all its bollywood generals and loud politicians and all its rhetoric about crossing the border and thought about it and the answer it came up with was this, squeal like a biatch in congress. Good, now that we have established that the Indian military cannot handle 4 insurgents, the battle hardened Pakistan Military is way beyond it means. So you blinked . .now go scream at the top of your lungs . .lets see where it gets you

Rehman | 7 years ago | Reply For people saying it does not matter, actually it does matter. If the legislation does not pass, obviously we will have avoided the worst outcome but it will still result in much damage to our international image and perceptions of our country, as the pros and cons of the bill will be discussed widely among legislators and in their media. But if for any reason it actually passes legislation, then we will be in serious trouble, because most Western countries will then impose a trade sanctions on us (just as they did with North Korea and Iran). All the multinational companies will then pull out of Pakistan. The CPEC alone will not be enough to compensate for such a large loss in international trade and foreign investment. Our government should assign the best lobbyists in the US to ensure this bill does not pass. There is no point in pretending this does not matter, and then be surprised in the end if there is a negative outcome.

umar | 7 years ago | Reply Poe makes absolute sense. Sadly can't argue with his statement.

A Common Pakistani | 7 years ago | Reply This is what you got after giving so much sacrifices in war on terrorism. US is silent on Kashmir and so many issues of pakistan. Pakistan should expel all US diplomats from Pakistan.

wiserneighbour | 7 years ago | Reply @saleem: i think you dream a lot.We have issues internally,but when it comes to national unity,no one can match us.We are Hindus,muslims,christians,budhists or mains but above all we are Indians.W which nation of not have issues internally? can you point out one?

Abhijeet | 7 years ago | Reply @Feroz: Pakistan has always been in Tit-for-Tat mode. They never tolerate any kind of criticism or sermonizing, even by their freinds. On the contrary, they defend their ill deeds as if they were right. Any thing that shows them in poor light is a conspiracy or false flag.

Feroz | 7 years ago | Reply I can see from the comments that leave aside sanity even common sense has deserted the hapless people. Being declared a terrorist state look like a proud badge many want to wear. Extremely sad to see so many indoctrinated so heavily that rational thinking has been left far behind. Hopeless situation for any country to be in.

Merwais Khan | 7 years ago | Reply Well that escalated quickly! Definitely it's one of the worst news for Pakistanis.

Keen Reader | 7 years ago | Reply Lolz ... So Indians have been able to buyout couple of US congressman.

Khan | 7 years ago | Reply Doesn't matter since it won't pass.

Waqar Hassan | 7 years ago | Reply Why all this is happening because our leadership is not sincere with the country. They have personal interests in India where they have big investments therefore they can't afford to issue tough statements on certain issues which take place. Taking advatage of this India is levelling baseless allegations against Pakistan latest being the uri incident. Our leadership is yet to issue a statement on this incident. The only statement had come from our Army chief.

Haider | 7 years ago | Reply US will never make a blunder like this.So they are just two lawmakers. This doesnt require to be highlighted as a headline. US cannot afford to make relation go bad with Pakistan when they require Pakistan the most for countering terrorism.

FAZ | 7 years ago | Reply Congress has 535 voting members: 435 Representatives and 100 Senators. And the bill is proposed by only 02 senators. Hmm...

Saad Nazim | 7 years ago | Reply "I prefer to be in the grave in Colombia than in a jail cell in the United States" - Pablo Escobar Pakistan, can really learn a thing or two, from Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as to how to treat Americans. :)

Junaid | 7 years ago | Reply India's biggest pain is kashmir and CPEC. Do what you can do.. CPEC will be completed by hook or by crook and kashmir will become either be an independent country or part of Pakistan. Mark my words.... USA knows the importants of Pakistan... China is the mjor concern of USA. For chinese Pakistan is the major concern.

FAZ | 7 years ago | Reply @Pankaj: Ever heard of Simon Hersh? PS: No official denial to his report has come yet

Gagan | 7 years ago | Reply What a Shame... how low Pakistan will go......

joe aiswick ,analyst | 7 years ago | Reply Firstly ,Its all to stop n put obstacles in progress of CPEC (China-Pak Economic corridor) ,originally india and US are biased and terrorist promoting state ,and secondly to sposor her (US) immunition industry.

Harinder SIngh | 7 years ago | Reply India does not have to fire a shot. Pakistan is in self-destruct mode.

Pankaj | 7 years ago | Reply @naeemhussain: You guys are true master of conspiracy theory. Keep it up.

Kamal | 7 years ago | Reply The facilitation will not stop there. SAARC countries will throw you out from SAARC or SAARC will be abondoned and another regional organisation will be created. Not only that "store you water as well" there will be huge scarcity of water in Pakistan in near term.

Zealot | 7 years ago | Reply Some fake commentators are passing fake comments.Designate us a terrorist state.ITs NOT UN that will designate.because if it does so CHINA WILL VETO IT.It was UN that imposed strict binding on iran as per UNSC resolution 1929 but it was later replaced by accomodating language resolution 2231.No one can veto UNSC resolution for iran because There is no member of UNSC ally of IRAN.These law maker like kelly ayotte too looking to enhancing sanctions to 2031 over iran but it is US not UN.SAME THEY MAY APPLY ON US TOO.SO WE DONT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT IT......

Buzzkill | 7 years ago | Reply So when Nawaz Sharif will be talking about Kashmir at the UN tomorrow, the world will be talking about the bill to designate Pakistan a terrorist state. How humiliating it will be, I feel sorry for the guy now.

naeemhussain | 7 years ago | Reply America is under immense Jewish influence it can not go against their wishes. India has strong relationship with Israel and Jews they are designing conspiracies against Pakistan. How funny it is that world,s most notorious country responsible for killing of hundred of millions of people and especially Muslims is going to declare Pakistan a terrorist country. Why American Indian Israeli terrorism is not terrorism? So called civilized countries and democracies of the world.

Abhijeet | 7 years ago | Reply Sad that Pakistan fails to see where it is headed. Its Kashmir megalomania is destroying it. There is probably no equivalent anywhere in the world, in the past of present.

XoF | 7 years ago | Reply Another Indian embarassment in few days ahead to proff their bollywood machoism.

jama; | 7 years ago | Reply This is done by the renowned indian lobbyist; therefore its not substantial and surprising. Moreover, 1000s of these bills are moved every year and only few attain attention. U.S congress has very few days left so these bills are meaning less and done only to please indian bureaucrat.

Raj | 7 years ago | Reply @Ahsan: There is nothing proud to be declared a terrrorist state and it is an insult to any state. Iran had suffered a lot due to this and only now, and a realisation taht Iran is left far behind of economic development,it mended its ways with world, powers. ANy country should be ashamed and not proud being a terrroist state. Please do not pass on such mean mentality to poor pakistanis.

Sanity check | 7 years ago | Reply During June 2016, same congressmen presented a bill to reduce Pakistan's share of CSF from 900 to 700 million, which was very quickly rejected by a simple majority. Comparatively, We are talking much serious measures here, so don't be surprise when this gets rejected by a bigger margin. Special interest and lobbying results in a lot of such deplorable bills, this news is not worthy of the front-page. Both sides would be better off if they simply concentrate on their internal problems instead of enjoying each others' misfortune.

Tyggar | 7 years ago | Reply @Truth: Just like your F16s?

ZF | 7 years ago | Reply Proud moment for us, we should celebrate it. I hope the dickheads in the US senate will conform to the labeling.

Samad Afghan | 7 years ago | Reply Open all gates of trade for Afghanistan and India. It may help Pakistan from isolation so you have a place to refuge incase india prevails.

saleem | 7 years ago | Reply Desperate measures by India to sideline the internal strife. Apart from independence movements in multiple states, there are two states that are fighting water issue on the street. However, Indian state is only concerned to brush the Kashmir uprising under the carpet. While they are overly concerned about Kashmir, rest of India is on fire.

rajesh | 7 years ago | Reply Senate please pass the bill.

Asad | 7 years ago | Reply As if we care?

Black Hawk | 7 years ago | Reply @Ahsan: Iran is a self sufficient country gifted with natural resources & the one of the largest producers of gas in the world whereas Pakistan survives on loans & aids from others. So don't compare yourself to Iran. If Pakistan comes on US OFAC list it means China won't invest a dime in your country, CPEC goodbye.

Black Hawk | 7 years ago | Reply Now we're talking. Its just a matter of time before US economic sanctions will be imposed on Pakistan & it will become a member of the notorious OFAC list. Those who rejoiced at Uri attacks will pay for it big time. An important diplomatic victory for India.

Truth | 7 years ago | Reply Poor India, they could only afford two congressmen. Anyone can move a bill but passing one is a whole different game. We all know the bill will be shot down immediately.

NKAli | 7 years ago | Reply It will not make much difference to the common man except the politicians who have invested interests in the US. Salams

Logical | 7 years ago | Reply @ahsan, Iran was strong and is still strong , oil keeps them rollin , and not to forget they had to succumb when sanctions was out, however not sure when country makes a big deal of 11mn FDI has a business to compare itself with Iran or any country for that matter , word people

Ali | 7 years ago | Reply Finally Americans came out of closet. Thank God the relationship is finally over. You don't need snakes as your friends. Pakistan sacrificed enough now its time to give a befitting response to enemies. Enough is enough.

Sane voice | 7 years ago | Reply This time I somehow have the feeling it will be different , pak is going to pay the price which will prove costly in long term , but knowing Pakistanis and election and general extension being around the corner push is evident , limited war is something. India can sustain any day , but Pakistan on the the other hand is hanging on th thread , may it's time to leave the false bravado and threat of nuclear is obviously bogus , no country can dare or rather afford a nuclear both pre-post! Hope sense prevails

Nikki | 7 years ago | Reply India spends lot of money for lobbying to paid Congressmen,what Pakistan does? Pakistan needs an assertive ambassador in Washington.Ms. Khar will be influential

OSD | 7 years ago | Reply The same names come out when members of US congress speak against Pakistan.. Just shows that they are on the payroll of the Indian government.. Not a big worry.. Pakistan should step up it's campaign to support the indigenous freedom struggle of Kashmir, because this time around it is in full force and the Modi government is panicking.. Hence it asked it's pets in the US congress to move this bill..

M Faisal | 7 years ago | Reply America can continue labeling us with what ever names it likes, Rest of the World knows very well that Pakistan is peace loving, resilient nation, & inshAllah our people will come out shining. All these false blames & propagandas will die a natural death. Peace

Zubair | 7 years ago | Reply Lols...America who killed millions of innocent by invading Iraq, Libya, Vietnam etc wrongfully is telling the world who is terrorist and who is not.

SB | 7 years ago | Reply Interesting timing... Just before PM Nawaz UN Address. Interested to hear what PM says about terrorism

Ahsan | 7 years ago | Reply Iran was also designated as terrorist state in 1989, and guess what, it iw still on that list, and iranians are proud of it, Im waiting fir them to designate us, we will be proud of it, I will celebrate. If America is against you, it means you are on the right side

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