US seeks 10% cut in economic assistance to Pakistan

Budget states it demonstrates US commitment to provide security assistance to promote counter-terrorism in Pakistan

The Obama administration is deliberating a 10 per cent cut in economic and security assistance provided to Pakistan in its new financial year budget proposal.

The administration has sought over $800million of which $534million is reserved for civilian assistance and $307million for security assistance, according to the Voice of America.

The budget document stated that the request for aid demonstrates US commitment to assist Pakistan's counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency capabilities.

The document added that in view of the ongoing transition in Afghanistan, the Foreign Military Financing is essential to Pakistan's efforts to increase stability on its western border region as well as overall stability within its own borders.

The request is part of US President Barack Obama’s $4 trillion spending plan for 2016.