“Any cut in assistance will not only impact our existing economic conditions at this critical moment but will also send a negative signal to the public about the commitment of the US government towards the people of Pakistan when they are suffering heavily in economic terms due to unparalleled toll of war against terror,” President Asif Ali Zardari told a US Senate delegation comprising Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin, Jeff Merkley and Jeanne Shaheen.
The senators, who are visiting Pakistan after a two-day trip to Afghanistan, also called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
President Zardari expressed the hope that the US congressional leaders would avoid restricting aid for Pakistan.
The US House Foreign Relations Committee last month approved an authorisation bill for 2012 which provided for restrictions on the civilian assistance programme for Pakistan. The bill is to be presented before the House after a recess following which it will go to the Senate.
Additionally, the Obama administration, in response to pressure from congressional leaders, is reported to be linking security assistance to the fulfilment of counter-terrorism objectives. KEEP READING AT Dawn News
