WASHINGTON: The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has approved a bipartisan legislation tripling American economic assistance to Pakistan.

The new legislation, once approved by both chambers of the US Congress, will bring $1.5 billion of annual aid to Pakistan for a period of five years, which can be extended with congressional approval.
 
‘The legislation requires rigorous oversight and auditing,’ says a press release issued by the panel to ensure that US assistance is truly benefiting the people of Pakistan.

The text of the new legislation released by the committee requires Pakistan ‘to ensure access of US investigators to individuals suspected of engaging in worldwide proliferation of nuclear materials, as necessary, and restrict such individuals from travel or any other activity that could result in further proliferation’.

It urges the US administration ‘to help Pakistan meet its commitment to not support any person or group that conducts violence, sabotage or other activities meant to instil fear or terror in Pakistan’s neighbouring countries’.

The legislation also requires the US administration to ‘help Pakistan gain control of its under-governed areas and stop any support, direction, guidance to, or acquiescence in the activities of, any person or group that engages in acts of violence or intimidation against civilians, civilian groups, or governmental entities’.

The measure intends to re-establish contacts between US and Pakistani military personnel, ‘including outreach to the ‘lost generation’ of Pakistan’s officers who did not attend US-sponsored training as a result of restrictions placed on United States assistance for Pakistan due to Pakistan’s possession of a nuclear device’.

The committee stipulates that the US security assistance for Pakistan ‘should be fully accountable, should be contingent on Pakistan ending support for terrorist groups, and should meet the national security needs of Pakistan’.

PARTNERSHIP
‘This legislation would massively expand economic, social and democracy assistance to Pakistan, and also provide a significant increase in military assistance,’ committee chairman Congressman Howard L. Berman said.

‘We need to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan, strengthen its democratic government, and do what we can to make Pakistan a force for stability in a volatile region.’

The committee defines the purpose of the new legislation as creating a new, more positive framework for US-Pakistan relations.

It establishes a set of principles that should govern US-Pakistan ties, including actions that the two countries should take to maintain a robust, relevant and lasting relationship.

For example, the bill explains that US assistance is intended to supplement, not supplant, Pakistan’s own efforts in building a stable and secure Pakistan, and that US assistance will be wholly ineffective without Pakistan’s own serious efforts to improve the lives of its citizens.

The Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act (HR 1886) focusses particularly on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting economic development and improving Pakistan’s public education system, with an emphasis on access for women and girls.

The bill also establishes a permanent Pakistan Democracy and Prosperity Fund for non-military assistance, aimed at demonstrating America’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s democratic future.

It authorises military assistance to help Pakistan disrupt and defeat Al Qaeda and insurgent elements, and requires that the vast majority of such assistance be focussed on critical counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism efforts.

In addition, the bill requires that all military assistance flow through the democratically elected government of Pakistan.

Finally, the legislation includes accountability measures for military assistance, including a requirement that the government of Pakistan has demonstrated a sustained commitment to combating terrorist groups and has made progress towards that end.

‘Contrary to what some have said, these are not ‘rigid’ or ‘inflexible’ conditions.’ Congressman Berman said. To ensure that the president has sufficient flexibility, we provide a waiver if he is unable to make the determinations. I think this is an excellent bill that will strengthen the critical US-Pakistan relationship and support US national security objectives in South Asia.’

A general description of the performance goals established under section 302 of the legislation, includes:
(C) An evaluation of efforts undertaken by the government of Pakistan to —

(i) disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other extremist and terrorist groups in the Fata and settled areas;

(ii) close terrorist camps, including those of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed;

(iii) cease all support for extremist and terrorist groups;

(iv) prevent cross-border attacks;

(v) increase oversight over curriculum in madressahs, including closing madressahs with direct links to the Taliban or other extremist and terrorist groups; and

(vi) improve counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering laws, apply for observer status for the Financial Action Task Force, and steps taken to adhere to the United Nations International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism.

(D) A detailed description of Pakistan’s efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear-related material and expertise.

(E) An assessment of whether assistance provided to Pakistan pursuant to this Act has directly or indirectly aided the expansion of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme, whether by the diversion of US assistance or the reallocation of Pakistan financial resources that would otherwise be spent for programmes and activities unrelated to its nuclear weapons programme.

(F) A description of the transfer or purchase of military equipment pursuant to title II of this Act, including: (i) a list of equipment provided; and (ii) a detailed description of the extent to which funds obligated and expended pursuant to section 203(b) meet the requirements of such section.