WASHINGTON: The objectives of US policy towards Pakistan are to empower and enable Pakistan to develop into a prosperous and democratic state that is at peace with itself and with its neighbours, says an amendment moved in Congress.

The amendment, which is likely to be adopted, also requires Pakistan to actively confront, and deny safe haven to Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other extremists.

Pakistan is also required to implement the economic, legal, and social reforms required to create an environment that discourages violent Islamic extremism; and to maintain robust command and control over its nuclear weapons technology.

The amendment B proposes to fully fund the Obama administration’s request for non-military assistance of $1.5 billion for Pakistan for the fiscal 2010 and provides ‘such sums’ as may be necessary through 2013.

It also requires that the US administration submit a comprehensive inter-agency strategy and implementation plan on how the aid will be spent. The amendment requires quarterly briefings on developments in Pakistan as well as written notification to Congress of adjustments in strategy and related changes in allocations and expenditures.

Another clause known as Manager’s Amendment adds a provision relating to streamlining export controls to better serve the scientific and research community, consistent with the protection of US national security interests.

It also adds a provision on implementation of an international nuclear fuel bank. This is linked to a separate piece of legislation that seeks to support the establishment of an international regime for the assured supply of nuclear fuel for peaceful means. It will authorise voluntary US contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency to support the establishment of an international nuclear fuel bank.

One provision requires the development of a food security strategy while another seeks assurances from the US administration that US funds will not be used for promoting abortion in Pakistan.

During a debate on Wednesday, Congressman Ed Royce, a California Republican, described the US assistance to Pakistan as ‘a good investment’ in US security.

But he also pointed out that the administration sought to ‘borrow money that we do not have.’

He objected to the ROZs, saying that while trade ‘can do far, far more for Pakistan’s social development and economic recovery than aid but it may be harmful to trade now.’

‘There’s no time for window dressing,’ said Mr Royce, while describing the current situation in Pakistan which, he claimed, had no room for trade.

Congressman Howard Berman, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and is one of the cosponsors of the aid to Pakistan bill, noted that most of the objections raised by US lawmakers had already been taken care of.

He urged the lawmakers to support the bill’s final approval.

Congressman Ron Klein, a Florida Democrat, noted that the bill would allow the United States to promote its foreign policy goals.

Congressman David Dreier, a California Republican, said it was very important that ‘we get this bill (seeking funds for US allies) right’ because it will have an ‘impact on every bilateral and multilateral relationship that we have in the world.’

‘Now is the time to inject the critical resources that will enable the State Department and other agencies to reworking our relationship with our allies,’ said Congressman Alcee Hastings: D-Florida.