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Newly passed aid bill far less stringent than original version

* Kerry-Lugar Bill acknowledges Pakistan as critical friend, ally and recognises Islamabad’s sacrifices in fight against terrorism

WASHINGTON: The Kerry-Lugar Bill on the $7.5 billion assistance for Pakistan from 2010 to 2014, unanimously passed by the US Senate on Thursday is far less restrictive than its original version.

The same version of the bipartisan bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Thursday, after US President Barack Obama hailed the development and reaffirmed a strong commitment to Pakistan's economic development. The measure, subject to progress made during this period, would authorise $1.5 annually for Pakistan over the next five years.

Experts on US-Pakistan relations said US Congressional legislation on Pakistan aid in 1980s required 12 odd waivers from the US president for the aid to go through. They pointed out that the waivers required certification in the fields of democracy, human rights, nuclear non-proliferation, drugs etc.

Contrastingly, the Kerry-Lugar legislation was far less restrictive and required certification at the level of secretary of state. Named the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act, the Bill has strong support of the Departments of State and Defence and is a compromise between legislation previously introduced in the House, and then the Senate.

Acknowledgement: The bill also acknowledges Pakistan as a critical friend and ally and recognises the profound sacrifices it has made in the war on terror.

According to legislative experts, the bill is far less prescriptive and stringent in its language than the original version. Specific references to India as well as Abdul Qadeer Khan, contained in the previous version, had been eliminated.

The language related to nuclear proliferation is markedly toned down to ensure access of US investigators to individuals suspected to receiving cooperation "in efforts such as providing relevant information from or direct access to Pakistani nationals associated with such networks".

In addition, there is a waiver for almost every condition. Besides, the bill requires a waiver from the "secretary of state and not from the president" as was proposed in the House version.

The bill authorises that funds may be provided for FMF, counter insurgency capability and IMET programs. It underlines the importance of supporting Pakistan's national security needs to fight the ongoing counter-insurgency and improve its border security and control.

The bill underlines the importance of supporting Pakistan's national security needs to fight the ongoing counter-insurgency and improve its border security and control. app

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