In today’s episode of the Tribune Take we take a look at the latest freeze imposed by US lawmakers of $700 million in aid to Pakistan until it offers to help the fight against improvised explosive devices in the region.
Huma Imtiaz, The Express Tribune‘s correspondent based in Washington DC discusses the conditions set in the bill and says it is a case of bad timing. She says the National Defence Act was being debated since early November. The Senate committee has asked Pakistan to curb the flow of ammonium nitrate across the border to Afghanistan. Commonly known as fertiliser, it is also a base component for IEDs, and the leading cause of US and Afghan casualties.
Imtiaz says this freeze will be perceived both in Pakistan and in the United States as another step in worsening relations between the two allies after the November attack by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) helicopters that killed at least 24 soldiers.
Read Huma Imtiaz’s articles here.
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The Tribune Take daily news web show will appear on the tribune.com.pk home page.
The Take will feature in-depth interviews and analysis with editors and reporters who are covering the major stories, exploring front page events and major ledes. The news analysis covers the way The Express Tribune examines a story, how we cover it and why.
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Recently there were so many statements by polititions from all parties that we do not want American aid we will stand on our own feet. Now U S accepted our demands and said We help you to stand on your own feet. The result ? We have started to cry Poor U.S.AIt is now "winter".
Most "unprotected" things feeze duing winter.
We need not to worry with the freeze. Perhaps more than $ 70m, worth of things are with us, awaiting on wheels.
Please stop the self-promotion. Its painful!