US Congressional body proposes cut in CSF to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: A US Congressional committee has proposed to tie at least half of the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) provided to Pakistan with action against the Haqqani network.

The House Armed Services Committee on Monday said the $350 million of the total $700 million proposed financial assistance to Pakistan may not be released till the defence secretary certifies to Congress that Islamabad has taken actions against the Haqqani network. Releasing the text of its version of the National Defence Authorisation (NDAA) Bill, the committee authorised $700 million in the CSF to Pakistan. "Of that amount, not more than $350 million may be provided until the Secretary of Defence certified that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani network," it said.

The committee’s proposal is aligned with the administration's consistent position that Pakistan is not acting against terrorist outfits, especially the Haqqani network and needs to be pressured or face aid restrictions. Last August, the administration announced its South Asia and Afghanistan policy, asking Pakistan to cooperate in its fight against terrorism, and not provide sanctuaries to such elements. Pakistan has repeatedly denied such allegations and vowed to fight terrorism without financial aid from the US.