ISLAMABAD: A parliament discussion of the issue began on a fiery note Wednesday night, with PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan claiming 'each and every page of the bill is reflective of the insulting attitude towards Pakistan'.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani told the assembly the bill was not binding on Pakistan and he vowed to build a consensus on it.

Pakistani leaders jousted over the multibillion-dollar Kerry-Lugar bill that the ruling party praises as a lynchpin to strengthening democracy here but that opponents say will lead to greater American interference in Pakistani affairs.

The bill, which awaits President Barack Obama's signature, would give Pakistan $1.5 billion annually over the next five years for democratic, economic and social development programs. It also allows ‘such sums as are necessary’ for military aid.

The US says the bill is aimed at alleviating poverty here and lessening the allure of militant groups in a country seen as crucial to the American fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Opposition leaders were airing their concerns about the aid package in Parliament; political officials issued statements about it throughout the day.

Critics complain the bill could authorise the US to broaden airstrikes in the country and interfere in Pakistan's nuclear program.

‘The tone and tenor of the bill in terms of conditionalities is not just intrusive, it's also overbearing and bordering on the humiliation of Pakistan,’ said Mushahid Hussain, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q. ‘We are not being treated kindly.’

The dispute highlighted Pakistani angst about America's growing presence in the country. The criticism seems unlikely to derail the aid program, but it has stung the government, which has directed ruling party members to defend the aid package.

The bill ‘has been greatly misunderstood in Pakistan by some sectors, and I also believe that certain opposition groups have deliberately misquoted and distorted the facts of the bill to achieve certain political ends,’ said Farahnaz Ispahani, a top aide to President Asif Ali Zardari.

The debate comes as the army steps up preparations for a new offensive against militants in the South Waziristan tribal region, in what could be one of the most important operations against militants in Pakistan since 2001.-Agencies