US approves $255mn worth of conditional military assistance to Pakistan
The Trump administration informed Congress that it has approved $255 million worth of conditional military assistance for Pakistan. Pakistan can only access these funds provided it takes action against terrorist groups. The move comes a week after President Donald Trump slammed Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorist groups. US-Pakistan relations have strained in recent times, as the US moves closer to India.
Trump unveils Afghanistan strategy, asks India to play greater role
On August 22, President Donald Trump announced that he's putting a new strategy in place for Afghanistan and South Asia. "We can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens for terrorist organizations," Trump said, adding that Islamabad had "much to lose" by harboring terrorists. He said he'll encourage India to play a greater role in Afghanistan and also warned Pakistan against supporting terrorists.
Pakistan's National Assembly unanimously condemns Trump's new Afghanistan policy
On August 31, Pakistan proved how unhappy it was about President Donald Trump's new Afghanistan strategy, particularly his words calling out Islamabad for harboring terrorists. Pakistan's National Assembly has passed a unanimous resolution opposing Trump's statements, calling them "hostile and threatening." Among other things, the resolution termed the US administration's decision to provide an enhanced role for India as detrimental to regional stability.
US has given Pakistan $33bn worth of assistance since 2002
The $255 million amount has been placed into the equivalent of an escrow account. An escrow account is one in which funds are blocked under pre-agreed conditions until they are met. In Pakistan's case, the amount can be debited if it acts against terror groups. Pakistan has received over $33 billion worth of assistance from the US since 2002.
US wants Pakistan to act against Taliban, Haqqani network
"Once Pakistan more aggressively pursues the Taliban and Haqqani network, the aid will be released - a determination to be made by Secretary of State Tillerson," the New York Times reported. The State Department told PTI that Washington values its relationship with Islamabad. However, it said as Trump pointed out, it's in the US' interest for Pakistan to "prevent terror sanctuaries."
