US lawmakers for cutting Pakistan aid to counter its support of terror

WASHINGTON: Citing “weariness” over Pakistan’s support for terrorism, US lawmakers on Tuesday said it was time to consider harsher measures, starting with cutting

WASHINGTON: Citing “weariness” over Pakistan’s support for terrorism, US lawmakers on Tuesday said it was time to consider harsher measures, starting with cutting off financial aid to the country.

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A lawmaker said if that doesn’ t work, the US could consider declaring Pakistan a “state sponsor of terrorism” — like Sudan, Syria and Iran — and subjecting it to crippling sanctions.

That would be a new low for Pakistan, currently held close by the US as a “non-NATO-ally” and a “critical counter terrorism partner ”, but not entirely unexpected.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers came together recently to block an Obama administration move to sell Pakistan eight heavily subsidised F-16 fighter jets. They also sought to make future financial aid contingent— and not optional, covered by waivers—on the administration certifying Pakistan’ s counter terrorism measures.

Now, however, they are asking if it is time to stop all aid altogether. Speaking of “newly endemic weariness” with Pakistan, Republican Congressman Matt Salmon said that “patience is growing very thin”.

“If our current efforts in Pakistan are not producing the results we seek then what are our options ?” he asked while chairing a House sub-committee hearing.