Washington: US lawmakers have put restrictions on $50 million of US military aid to Pakistan out of concern that the country is backsliding on anti-terrorism efforts and democratic reform. But the measure also provided the Bush administration with a way to restore the funding.
The restrictions came in a measure that allocates up to $300 million for aid to Pakistan.
Most of the money, $250 million, is pinned to efforts to fight al-Qaida and the Taliban. The remaining $50 million can only be used after Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice certifies to Congress that Pakistan is making ''concerted efforts'' to prevent terrorists and the Taliban from operating inside its borders.
Rice also must guarantee that Pakistan is implementing democratic reforms, including releasing political prisoners and restoring an independent judiciary system.
But given Pakistan's strategic importance in US policy, the administration is very likely to make the certification.
The bill also makes clear that none of the funds can be used for cash transfer assistance to Pakistan, a stipulation that matches policy the Bush administration has already decided on.
The provisions were part of a $555 billion spending bill Congress passed Wednesday that will pay for most of the federal government's 2008 budget. The bill includes $35 billion overall for the State Department and foreign aid programs.
President George W Bush is expected to sign the bill into law.
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