US House panel imposes limits on Pak aid

The approval of the conditional aid to Pakistan for its counter-insurgency operations under the defence spending bill reflects the US Congress' frustration with Islamabad's efforts in the war against terror.

This is the first major approval of Pakistan-related funding by the Congress after the killing of Osama bin Laden in a safe house near Islamabad.

The move reflects the changing mood of US lawmakers towards Pakistan as an increasing number of influential Congressmen are questioning the decision of the Obama Administration to give billions in aid to Pakistan as terrorist continue to operate in the country.

The Defence Appropriations Bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee by a voice vote yesterday says that the Congress will withhold 75 per cent of Pakistan Counter-insurgency Capability Funds until the Secretary of Defence provides a report to Congress on a strategy and metrics for the use of these funds, said a press statement issued by the House Appropriations Committee.

According to the Appropriations Bill, the Secretary of Defence also needs to provide to the Congress a listing of the terrorist or extremist organisations in Pakistan opposing US goals in the region and against which America encourages Pakistan to take action.