WASHINGTON:
The US Senate has included in its calendar the hearing of the National Defence Authorisation Act 2013 (NDAA), which seeks to place Pakistan under the spotlight for action against terror groups operating inside its territory.
The text of the bill states that the US secretary of defence has to certify to congressional defence committees that Pakistan is taking action against terrorist groups including the Haqqani Network, the Quetta Shura and against improvised explosive device manufacturers.
The bill also stipulates the conditions associated with the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund. It asserts that no reimbursements can be made to Pakistan that were claimed by the country during the period when the ground lines of supply through Pakistan to Afghanistan were closed.
Additionally, the bill says that no more than $1,750,000,000 can be given to Pakistan in the fiscal year 2013 — this figure does not include reimbursements made to Pakistan during fiscal year 2013 from previous funds.
The bill text states that the US secretary of defence has to certify to congressional defence committees that Pakistan has opened and is maintaining security along the ground lines of supply to Afghanistan for the Pakistan counterinsurgency.
The certification requirements include that Pakistan is not providing support to militant extremist groups including the Haqqani Network and the Afghan Taliban Quetta Shura present in Pakistan that are carrying out cross-border attacks against the US, Afghan or coalition forces. The requirements state that “Pakistan is demonstrably cooperating with US counterterrorism efforts, including by not detaining, prosecuting, or imprisoning citizens of Pakistan as a result of their cooperation with such efforts, including Dr Shakil Afridi”.
Additionally, the US secretary of defence has to certify that Pakistan is demonstrating “a continuing commitment, and is making significant efforts toward the implementation of a strategy, to counter improvised explosive devices, including efforts to attack improvised explosive device networks, monitor known precursors used in improvised explosive devices, and develop and implement a strict protocol for the manufacture of explosive materials (including calcium ammonium nitrate) and accessories and for their supply to legitimate end users.”
The secretary of defence is also allowed to waive these limitations if he testifies that the waiver is in the US’ national security interests, along with justifications for the waiver.
The bill was added to the Senate’s calendar after a motion was moved; however, no date has yet been set for hearing the bill. Previously, the NDAA 2012 bill froze $700 million in the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2012.
COMMENTS (9)
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A reminder that when it comes to money issues Obama doesn't run the show. Normally the American public doesn't pay much attention to Pakistan but the closure of the NATO supply line, blatant attempt at extortion, and finding OBL outside your Military Academy got the public's attention -- Congress is simply responding to issues raised by the voting public.
This aid(s) is for Pakistan’s survival. Without this, it collapses.
It is a good news for ordinary Pakistanis. All aid(s) to Pakistan must be stopped forthwith, as most of it is going back in the Swiss accounts or building generals' villas, while nation is suffering from the war fallout.
This isn't our war, we should leave it. And AID is destroying our country, not building it. AID is just a bribe to our leaders. Let America dig it's own grave to be buried in the graveyard of empires; Afghanistan.
Ok . It seems to be right for Pakistan. At least we will understand the value of being a involved in a war that we could have avoided.
No more free lunches and no more free rides. No work no pay!