116
The US Defense Department withheld $50 million in Pakistan military payments after Pentagon chief Jim Mattis accused Islamabad of not doing enough to counter the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, an official said Friday.
“Secretary Mattis told congressional defense committees that he was not able to certify that Pakistan took sufficient actions against the Haqqani network to permit full reimbursement of the fiscal year 2016 Coalition Support Funds,” Pentagon Spokesman Adam Stump said.
The United States had allotted $900m in military aid to Pakistan through the special fund. The country has already received $550m of that, but Mattis's decision means $50m will be withheld. The remaining $300m was rescinded by Congress as part of a broader appropriations act.
“This decision does not reduce the significance of the sacrifices that the Pakistani military has undertaken over previous years,” Stump said. “Pakistan still has time to take action against the Haqqani network in order to influence the secretary's certification decision in FY17,” he added.
Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is also the Taliban's deputy leader, the group has carried out numerous operations deep in the heart of Kabul and has been blamed by Afghanistan for a devastating truck bombing that killed more than 150 people in the capital in May.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (116) Closed
Jul 21, 2017 08:30pm
Good.
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 08:59pm
@Ahmad Ali Rafi Ahmad don't know them.
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 09:01pm
Thank you. We appreciate that.We do have our own priorities over yours Mr. Matis.
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 09:17pm
Shoud've been done a very long time ago. Anyways, better late than never!
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 09:18pm
Good riddance
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 09:32pm
slowly but surely US Aid will subside. Drone attacks will increase on the north western border and the incompetent afghan forces will breach border protocols. Unless strong retaliation is used as a response to such transgressions, the situation will worsen with armed forces losing face.
No more words, official or unofficial statements, or tweets. Swift action with resounding results.
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 11:10pm
This is great news for pakistan !!
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 11:10pm
@Wajahat Hussain : Thank you. We appreciate that.We do have our own priorities over yours Mr. Matis.
The United States US$ 350 Million - US$ 300 Million had been rescinded by Congress as part of a broader appropriations act - and US$ 50 Million pales to insignificance when compared to the US$ 65 Billion for CPEC plys US$ 50 Billion for the Pakistani Cascade Dams i.e. a Grand Total of US$ 115 Billion. As such Pakistan can laugh at the US for the sum of US$ 350 Million which is a Drop in the Ocean compared to the Chinese giving Pakistan US$ 115 Billion!
Recommend
0
Jul 21, 2017 11:54pm
@Enkay0001 China is not giving anything free. They will take back $65 bn + 20% . USA gave it free thats why dictating terms.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 12:15am
Good for the people and democracy of Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:01am
So this government is going to leave things in the worst shape possible. They'll leave the country in a real mess. Good luck for the next government.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:07am
Time to move off aid and make trade .
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:10am
Isn't it embarrassing?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:19am
@Enkay0001 : US for the sum of US$ 350 Million which is a Drop in the Ocean compared to the Chinese giving Pakistan US$ 115 Billion!
--> You do understand the difference between a High Interest Loan vs Aid right?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:34am
@ahamd:
US took it in kind, China will take in cash. What China is giving is visible, what US gave was invisible.
Good, we don't need anything from US.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:35am
@Ahamd USA is not giving any penny free. Pakistan is fighting their war and paying heavy price. It's so unfortunate and unfair that instead of recognizing Pakistan's sacrifice in war against terror, they are blaming us for their fundamental mistakes and wrong decisions and strategies.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:41am
Finally movement in the correct direction.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:41am
This will teach them a lesson as to not see "khabs" beyond their means and mind its own bussiness instead of worrying about muslims around the world
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:45am
@Sarim Ehtesham : Kindly elaborate how that "Swift Action" is going to happen?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:48am
They can pay the same money to Afghans to behave themselves including Talibans
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:50am
Why do we provide support assistance to the US troops now, there is no such thing is free lunch, this was a payment for services rendered, we should stop all support functions and let them find an alternate route, we have not forgotten the Salala incident.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:05am
A bankrupt empire in wars for 230 years or it's existence cannot be expected to pay it's bills anymore.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:15am
Until Pakistan gets off foreign aid, it will never be able to fix problems in the country.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:22am
@Ahamd It is not free when fighting the war on terror has cost the country over $85 billion and tens of thousands of lives. It is a bribe to buy off the elite so they put America first and then cheating when time for payment comes. That is what organized crime, the US state is all about.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:32am
People are saying Good here, good because wants to show their self respect, but why you are taking from 15 years then. Secondly full news is not published here, read US news paper. USA would take further steps............Would write what otherwise my comment would not be published.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:43am
alm is not coming on the way
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:57am
@Muneeb who says it's 20%? It's 1.6%. Out of those 1.6, 1% will be for the industrial zones. You need to read the whole plan
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:58am
Some people will have to find other ways to grow their offshore accounts
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:04am
@Ahamd USA does not gave it free, it cost Pakistan 70,000 lives, 150 Billion USD economic loss and more
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:10am
Good, Very good. Excellent.
Pakistan should base its policies on aid money. Pakistan should makes its plans on its own money. Pakistan should collect tax from rich pakistanies, today approximatly 800.000 - 900.000 pakistani pay tax, with tax reform in the country all rich and well off can pay, so our state dont depend on foreigers. By the way the ammount american are giving to Pakistan is very small amount. Many times that amount is lost due to corruption and not collected taxes.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:13am
Those who are happy with this, are the same who have no idea about support fund(aid money) and loan(a newfound word called investment). There are always lo g term implications of it which aren't always visible to common eye. Anyways according to me loss of financial (and moral) support is always a loss.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:14am
USA is not dependable. Pak army should make Pakistan self-sufficient.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:29am
@Enkay0001 the difference is US is giving Aid whereas China is giving loan !
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:50am
US enemity dangerous & friendship a suicide.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:50am
@Ahamd 20% is way too much...It will break anybody's back...
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:57am
(quoting article): "Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is also the Taliban's deputy leader, the group has carried out numerous operations deep in the heart of Kabul and has been blamed by Afghanistan for a devastating truck bombing that killed more than 150 people in the capital in May."
Simple question. Why is he not in jail?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:02am
What is the Haqqani network actually?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:04am
71 Billion bollars in assistance to Pakistan by US and what does it get for it. Out of 71 B $ 58 went to Pak military. What does the poor Pak civilian get except drone attacks. THINK. Are you not better off being Indias and Afghanistans friend. Reduce your military. Let India also proportionately reduce. Divert the money to Health and education . So shall we
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:06am
@Enkay0001 Would they give the U$115 billion to Pakistani establishment in cash?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:07am
@Enkay0001 This is foolish math. Chinese aid is at irr of 25%. Pakistan will take 12 generations to repay only interest component of Chinese Project assistance.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:13am
@Enkay0001 China is such a great country, which sees the potential of our country when no country in the world could see. It will give us all the money that we need. We don't need anything from USA
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:21am
Excellent! Now Pakistan can do something better and have pride. Stop begging and teach others the same. Look at the streets and feels like whole Pakistan is full of beggars.
There was one time in USA hunger and no jobs, not long ago(1800s), there were no crops as dust flew all over and people were begging, but people worked hard and good people in politics worked for the country and were less selfish. In Pakistan we need a new leader like Qaid a Azim and not the thieves.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 04:57am
Peanuts....once CPEC is complete, it can generate $50 mil in a day.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 05:25am
Common people of Pakistan are happy and rulers of Pakistan are not happy.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 05:41am
Someone's tax haven account will see a drop in its balance .
Good for USA we need for our Affordable Care , Pakistani public will not miss it as they don't benefit from it and have never seen a benefit .
The only entity that will be angry is the OFFSHORE Bank account holders who we don't know.
So now will you please reveal your identity and PLEASE BE VERY ANGRY so we may find a some solace !
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 06:10am
50 milllion? Let us not even talk about this peanut
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 06:27am
If only the country stops meddling in other countries' affairs and concentrates on good governance...
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 06:35am
@Enkay0001 haha! How did you compare the two!?. Just wait, $ 115 billion when needs to be paid with 28% interest, you will understand the Difference!!!!
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 06:50am
Another failure of Pakistan foreign policies. NS did not have a foreign minister because he could not find a better person them him for this position.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 06:52am
Why Pakistan should open a new front because we're the one who are going to suffer not Americans just keep on saying we're trying
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 07:08am
@Enkay0001 there is nothing to be proud of in taking money from another country.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 07:31am
That would be counter productive... you are pushing us for what you had alleged from long. Atleast honor the promises you made in the form of fund.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 07:33am
Why china s not providing Aid, to Pakistan. Whn it is taking so much of profit on its investment
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 07:59am
No need of US aid if there will be free trade between India and Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 08:01am
Well, agreeing with readers comments that we should get off Aid ASAP.
But on other this is another proof of Pakistan Foreign Policy failure,
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 08:06am
Afghanistan is in their total control and that is where the fighting is. It's easier to blame others for your mess, why cant you beat the terrorists.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 08:16am
Brains in Pakistan are getting filled with halal meat rapidly. Free 50 Million Dollars is more than 5 Billion Dollars of loans @ 17% interest, tax free from China.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 08:55am
Such a blessing - I wish it would have happened long ago
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 08:56am
@SANTOSH - Good thought.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 08:58am
@Satya - well said..I wish they completely stop this aid for good and forever.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 09:00am
usa repeating same mistake of 1990 after end of cold war.ua will never orobably get same coperation after 9-11 in future.be hapy with indui.Thank u .usa for freeing pak from ur influence.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 09:04am
Now the civilian government have to be pressurized and will pay the price...........
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 09:16am
Those who are happy hearing this news should be ready to pay twice the taxes they are paying today. May be more than that. One should consider the current economic scenario while making a comment.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 09:30am
@Shah well said. Its about time the US stopped playing bully of the world on borrowed money.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 10:12am
In Indian press the amount is 350 million dollar.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 10:17am
Why should it even bother us. We have China to bail us out of any financial troubles.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 10:22am
If USA can't handle its mess, no one can and no one should !
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 10:28am
Great / thanks, we need courageous civilian and military leader to categorically say no to aid and believe in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 10:37am
Let cpec start.. USA we are not giving any loan to you than.. peace.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 11:07am
Thank you, for your support.. Please leave us alone.And re-route your supply route to Afghanistan Via other places.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 11:30am
Don't worry. Sooner than later both sides will cosy up to each each other and both will be cooing away like doves and pigeons. BOOM!!! Suddenly something will go wrong and both will be wailing and spitting at each other like alley cats. Salams
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 11:31am
In Long run, this is good for Pakistan. It should be our funds our agenda, thank you Mr. Trump.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 11:43am
@GK - I appreciate your sense of humour
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 11:50am
@salman sorry, The word sacrifice means that you don't get anything in return. No favours attached. The moment one takes cash for doing an act, then the consequences of that act can't be termed as sacrifice. Pakistan should not have gone into this mess in the first place.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 11:52am
@GK Your power projects are not completing. Neither are they producing any revenue despite high electricity charges. You are hoping that as Chinese have taken interest this project will go rightly. Have you got any idea when these projects are supposed to make revenues?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 12:03pm
Signs of frustration due own failure in Afghanistan
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 12:03pm
We will give Loan to USA after CPEC
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 12:16pm
Conclusion: never trust anyone on money matters. take payments in advance which can be charged later for the work done.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 12:19pm
Look at him, it was already a free job, just $1billion!!!! USA gives Israel over $50billion every year. This is $1bn for last 16 years. Don't need them instead donate it to charity.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 12:43pm
Keep it. We need to stand on our feet.
Plus we should stop the ground route for the American forces, they should use other routes and means for their disasterous occupation of Afghanistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:05pm
@Ahamd US giving free aid....thats a joke..what they have taken is beyond imagination thousands of lives including civilians and jawans our soveireignty. China is doing business which is beneficial for both. US is offering peanuts they should give this to Afghanistan instead.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:09pm
Good News.
Let's get rid of the aid which is used to manipulate us.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:11pm
$50 million ok that's a massive amount but we money launder $500 bn per anum so only if we can stop that we do not need 1000 times less amount us is blocking plus if they do not pay our expenses we will fight war our way
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:12pm
$50 million is peanuts ...
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:13pm
@yogesh first of all you should try understanding the same logic... friendship with Pakistan and China can save your trillion of dollars + more stability in the region. The problem seems very obvious you dont want to listen which wont happen. We are open for friendship but not only at your terms.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:29pm
Let it go 50 mil is peanuts. Pakistan will collect that much toll tax per hour from Chinese trucks once CPEC comes. CPEC! CPEC! Long Live CPEC!
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:47pm
Expect rise in direct and indirect taxes in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 01:53pm
Good. You make it easy for our policy makers to call whom an ally and whom a foe.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:01pm
Yet another silly joke by Donald Trump and his cronies.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:29pm
Anyway civilians don't get anything from these grants, so who cares. Though someone became poorer a bit.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:34pm
@Braveheart I agree with your sentiment and a part of your logic. People like you and most of people in the country will agree But the problem is your boys would not like it to be happen as their entire industry will collapse.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 02:48pm
such things give bad name to country.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:06pm
@salman
If is it a US war, why Pakistan is fighting US war and claiming reimbursement?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:16pm
Beggars.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:18pm
US withdrawing aid money and Chinese giving more and more loans will result in raise in direct and indirect tax for Pakistanis. Chinese will need interest and profit payment back to their country every year. So, money will flow out. But, without matching exports Pakistan will become bankrupt. Till now, US and IMF money was there. Now, who will save from Chinese profit and interest payments? Trump also want to convert all remaining aid to loans going forward.
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:31pm
Do we care?
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 03:35pm
Rich Pakistani Generals on US welfare.....
Recommend
0
Jul 22, 2017 10:12pm
@Sarim Ehtesham rebounding results?
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 12:11am
Good. As thiese funds are going to fill the pockets of some politicians
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 10:06am
@Mustafa - "Do we care?"
Yes. You do.
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 11:35am
Less US aid will make the civilian government stronger.
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 11:39am
Whether it makes any difference?
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 11:47am
Now it is pretty sure that days numbered for Nawaz govt. Now US authorities will start dialog with new in coming govt. in Pakistan on their own conditions.
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 11:47am
first Amarica should remove there headquarters from kabul and leave them they always blamed their failure on Pakistan....slave govt of Afghistan is failed to recover his country. then pakistan will be show positive actions... if Afghanistan regularly supported india so they will faced any action and know pakistan doesn't want any type of Fund of coalition we are able to survive.
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 02:25pm
@Ahamd pls tell me where did you make up 20% interest rate.....
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 02:32pm
@Nav If Pakistani elite plan properly, with China having committed itself to OBOR and CPEC, Pakistan could set its own price and master negotiation with Chinese and other neighbors on the price of land and resources and rent and share of jobs to create wealth. China is after all seeking to reduce their industrial density to fight air pollution and will pay for land.
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 02:46pm
US has always been non trust worthy friend, immediately stop logistic and intelligence support to US. They have taken us for granted.
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 04:34pm
The present military and political parties are doing a great disservice to pakistan by taking chinese money with a notional cash flow to sell it to the public, money will get into the pockets of military and political parties leaving the country in toters, with the poor public who may have to pay the principle and interest and till then the Chinese will loot the rich natural resources and by the the time it comes to pak hands there will be nothing left...
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 06:48pm
Though it is embarrassing; but it will help Pakistan in becoming independent. Wish Pakistan and India understand importance of each and become partner is growth of each other; rather looking at west. Best Wishes to Pakistan!!!
Recommend
0
Jul 23, 2017 08:35pm
It was not any aid as such . It was a reimbursement of expenses incurred by Pakistan on their behalf . Hence Pakistan is still entitled to it failing which the land route facility for supplies to Afghanistan may be blocked like once before
Recommend
0
Jul 24, 2017 08:25am
@Abdul Kadir lol so be a beggar to USA or invest in much needed infrastructure via CPEC. The country should move forward & reconsider its relationship with USA. They never whave pakistans interest at heart & never will
Recommend
0
Jul 24, 2017 10:40am
@Tashfeen Qayyum So all the money US gave to you was invisible? How about the F15 fighter jets? Were they also invisible?
Recommend
0
Jul 24, 2017 12:43pm
@Enkay0001 China is giving a loan not assistance. Big difference.
Recommend
0
Jul 24, 2017 01:10pm
thanks
Recommend
0
Jul 24, 2017 01:17pm
America has always used and abused their allies. It's time, Pakistan should reply strongly, and should seize all borders for USA to use it's sovereignty, from helping Afghans. Enough is enough. Pakistan must show a large stick to USA, for not complying to reimburse it's payment.
Recommend
0
Jul 24, 2017 01:44pm
I hope they stop all kind of support so we can break free of them
Recommend
0
