Council demands restoration of aid

US Commander appreciates role of Pakistan in fighting against terrorism

LAHORE: Pak-US Business Council on Tuesday demanded immediate restoration to withheld 300 million dollars US military aid to Pakistan and enhance mutual engagements.

On his return from Bhutan, Founder Chairman Pak-US Business Council and Chairman United Business Group Iftikhar Ali Malik while talking to media said Pakistan had paid a heavy price in war against terror. The proposed cut of 300 million dollar in Coalition Support Fund (CSF) by the Trump administration was not justifiable, he added.

Trump administration to reduce military aid to Pakistan

He said that Pakistan had done its best despite constraints and shall continue its efforts for peace and stability in the region. Young Entrepreneurs SAARC Chamber Chairman Shaharyar Ali Malik and FPCCI former vice president Hameed Akhter were also present on the occasion.

Malik said that the US Commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson met Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa and highly appreciated the role of Pakistan in fighting against the menace of terror. He admitted that the US cannot win a war in the soil of Afghanistan without an active support of Pakistan.



He said the world had largely acknowledged Pakistan’s colossal sacrifices. Shedding lights on enhancing mutual trade relations, he said the Trump administration should give Pakistan direct access to American markets. Bilateral trade relationship could restore prosperity and peace in the region, he added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2017.