The Obama administration on Tuesday proposed $860 million in aid for Pakistan. This includes the $265 million for military hardware.
The US believes it would help the country fight terrorists, secure nuclear weapons and improve ties with India.
While there was no mention of Pakistan in President Barack Obama’s budgetary proposals, Secretary of State John Kerry in his proposals said the budget includes $ 859.8 million towards sustaining ties with Pakistan and making progress to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat violent extremist groups.”
The requested funding will support the country’s counter-insurgency missions, and bolster stability, energy access, economic growth, and social reform.John Kerry, Secretary of State
“Pakistan lies at the heart of the US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and economic integration in South and Central Asia,” State Department said making its case for the aid to Pakistan under the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) fund.
“OCO resources will support critical US activities such as ensuring the safety of Pakistani nuclear installations,working with Pakistan to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan, and promoting improved relations with India,” it said.
Under the Economic Support Fund (ESF) of the OCO, the State Department has proposed $400 million to Pakistan.
The request will also demonstrate the US’ commitment to fostering longterm cooperation with the Government of Pakistan in order to address areas of mutual interest.US State Department
Under OCO’s International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement section, the State Department has proposed $40 million for Pakistan-funded programmes that will promote stability during the transition in Afghanistan.
Proposing $265 million under Foreign Military Funding (FMF) – which mainly means providing military hardware, the State Department said given the transition in Afghanistan and continued terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, it is essential to Pakistan’s efforts to increase stability on its western border and within the country.
Pentagon’s ‘Tactical’ Concerns
On the other hand, Pentagon expressed concerns over Pakistan’s evolving “tactical nuclear weapons” doctrine. A top American spymaster warned the Congress on Tuesday about the increasing risks of an “incident” associated with the growing nuclear arsenal.
Pakistan’s nuclear weapons continues to grow. We are concerned that this growth, as well as the evolving doctrine associated with tactical weapons, increases the risk of an incident or accident.Vincent Stewart, Director of Defence Intelligence Agency
In his testimony, Stewart said, “Islamabad continues to take steps to improve its nuclear security, and is aware of the threat presented by extremists to its programs”.
A Congressional report in January had estimated Pakistan’s nuclear warheads to be between 110-130 and that they are aimed at deterring India from taking military action against it.
Stewart also said Pakistan will face internal security threats from militants and separatist groups this year.
“Counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan’s Western border and paramilitary operations in Karachi have had some success in reducing violence and are likely to continue,” Stewart said.
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