US Aid Bill Opposed by Pakistan Military

The US aid bill which provides Pakistan $7.5 billion over the next five years in the form of non-military aid, has found a strong adversary in Pakistan's military. The army made its displeasure known in a statement issued to the press a short while before the Pakistani parliament was about to debate the Kerry-Lugar Bill. This declaration came after a meeting held by General Ashfaq Kayani, the army chief with the top brass, in Rawalpindi. It stated that the the bill came under discussion during the conference, and that it raises serious concern regarding clauses impacting national security.

While the final decision lies with the parliament, which is expected to endorse the US aid package, (while passing a resolution expressing its concerns), the statement provided fodder to the anti-American lobby that exists within and outside of the parliament. It prompted a statement from the main opposition party, the Pakistan Muslim League (N), which opinionated that potential amendments should be discussed in parliament and put to the United States. It has also bolstered public criticism regarding the growing and unwanted U.S. influence in the country

The 'strings' attached to the bill include yearly certification that Pakistan is making a sustained commitment to combating terrorist groups, cooperating in stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and that its security forces are not subverting the country's political or judicial processes. This translates to proper government control over the military, including its budgets, the chain of command and top promotions, which may be the root of the outburst. Many believe that the purpose of the military's statement is to draw a clear line as to the extent of civilian control acceptable to them. Another sore point seems to be the request to effectively deal with "terrorists bases" in the southwestern city of Quetta and the eastern town of Muridke, the home of an Islamist group implicated in attacks on India.

US officials defend the conditions of the bill stating that the aid package is designed to strengthen the campaign against Islamic militancy by fighting poverty in Pakistan, and addresses concerns about military aid being misspent.