Washington: US lawmakers have introduced a legislation in the Congress to divert American aid meant for Pakistan to the Mexican border until Islamabad takes concrete and satisfactory action against Haqqani terrorist network.
Fearing that some of the aid running into billions of dollars could end up in the hands of the Haqqani network, the lawmakers voiced concern as the dreaded terror group is believed to be behind suicide attacks in Afghanistan responsible for hundreds of American deaths.
The legislation introduced by Congressman Michael McCaul, and co-sponsored among others by the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, would require the Secretary of State to certify to Congress that Pakistan is not aiding, assisting, advising or informing the Haqqani terrorist network in any way. Otherwise US aid to Pakistan will be cut off and redirected toward fighting Mexican drug cartel violence on US-Mexican border, the legislation says. In a statement, McCaul said this year the State Department is requesting USD 2.4 billion in civilian and security assistance to Pakistan, some of which could end up in the hands of the Haqqani network. But, the legislation does not seek to touch Defence and intelligence aid. “When I met with (Pak) President (Asif Ali) Zardari he expressed a commitment to eradicating the Haqqani terrorist network, but I am not convinced that he has enough control over his military and intelligence to follow through,” said McCaul. (Agencies)
