Senate panel has approved a legislation which blocks $300 million US military aid to Pakistan
Senate panel has approved a legislation which blocks $300 million US military aid to Pakistan
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A legislation has been approved by a Senate panel, which blocks $300 million US military aid to Pakistan unless the Defence Secretary certifies to the Congress that Islamabad is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani terror network.

The Senate Armed Services Committee, which renewed blockage of $300 million coalition support fund to Pakistan subject to action against the Haqqani network like previous year when it passed the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)-2017 last week, has however argued in favour of continuing security assistance to Pakistan.

Senate version of the NDAA differed with that of the House on many issues, including Pakistan.

The House version of the bill, which was passed last week, calls for blocking $450 million of the $900 million US aid to Pakistan in coalition support fund.

NDAA 2016, which ends on September 30 this year, makes it mandatory for the Defence Secretary to certify that Islamabad is taking action against the Haqqani network for the release of last $300 million of the coalition support fund to Pakistan.

Navy Captain Jeff Devis, the Pentagon spokesman, said, "The Defence Secretary has not taken a decision yet".

The Committee, which passed NDAA-2017 before the weekend's US air strike on Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Mansour in the Af-Pak border region, in its report noted that since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Pakistan has been a vital partner in US efforts to combat terrorism in South Asia.

As per the reports, The committee believes that stability in the region cannot be achieved without stability in Pakistan itself and that fostering a strong, stable, and secure Pakistan is consistent with the national security goals of the United States".

"The committee believes that security assistance for Pakistan should continue," the Senate Armed Services Committee said.

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