Senate postpones debate on US funding stoppage

Discussion to resume once FM Qureshi returns from US trip

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Wednesday postponed debating cancellation of the payment of $300 million to Pakistan by the United States under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) while steps are being taken by Islamabad for the recovery of this amount from Washington.

On a calling attention notice moved by Senator Mushahid Hussain from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Upper House was scheduled to hold debate on the matter on Wednesday .



However, on account of the unavailability of Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is on an official visit to the United States, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani deferred the debate till Qureshi concludes his visit and lands back home, expectedly in the first week of October.

The foreign minister is expected to take the Senate into confidence after conclusion of his ongoing visit to the US and brief over the latest situation involving Washington’s decision to cancel the amount payable to Pakistan under CSF.



On September 2, news made headlines that the US announced $300 million aid blockade for Pakistan, accusing the country of failure to take action against terrorist sanctuaries allegedly operating in Pakistan. This was the second time in the ongoing year the US has blocked funds payable to Pakistan under CSF.

Addressing a press conference earlier this month, Qureshi insisted the funds stopped by the US were not aid but “it was our money—for the losses we suffered and expenses we have in the war on terror.” Later, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan and the matter reportedly figured during his visit even though it was not apparently publicised.