WASHINGTON, June 27: The US Senate on Friday approved $150 million of economic assistance for Pakistan.

Since the House of Representatives has already approved this assistance, the Senate’s endorsement completes the process of congressional approval.

The bill approved by the Senate requires Pakistan to spend part of the fund on development projects in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

The fresh assistance is included in the US war supplemental budget measure to support efforts into the year 2009, beginning October 1, 2008.

The $150 million will be in addition to allocations Pakistan will receive under regular budget for 2009. The US administration has already requested a total of $901 million for Pakistan in the year 2009.