The US Defence Authorisation Bill 2013 imposes conditional flow of economic and military aid to Pakistan subject to Islamabad’s successes in the war against terror, a top American lawmaker said today.
“I am pleased to see the bill places appropriate conditions on aid to Pakistan. It is imperative that Pakistan
support our counter terrorism efforts and work to prevent the interdiction of improvised explosive devices IEDs to
Afghanistan,” Adam Smith, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, said at the mark up of the Nation Defence
Authorisation Act for the Fiscal Year 2013 .
The Defence Authorisation Act 2013 prohibits the preferential procurement of goods or services from Pakistan
till Islamabad re-opens the crucial NATO supply routes to Afghanistan, which were closed in the aftermath of the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26 in a NATO cross border fire.
The Defense Authorisation Act also seeks certification from the Defence Secretary that Pakistan is committed to
supporting counter terrorism operations against al-Qaeda, its associated movements, the Haqqani Network, and other domestic and foreign terrorist organisations.
Further certification from the Defence Secretary is needed on Pakistan’s efforts in dismantling improvised explosive device (IED) networks; interdicting precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of IEDs; preventing the proliferation of nuclear-related material and expertise; and issuing visas in a timely manner for United States visitors engaged in counter terrorism efforts and assistance programmes in the country.
The Act notes that the Taliban, Haqqanis, and associated insurgents continue to enjoy safe havens in Pakistan, but are unlikely to be capable of overthrowing the Afghan Government unless the United States withdraws forces precipitously from Afghanistan.
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