WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of two powerful US lawmakers has introduced a brand new act in the US House of Representatives, to designate Pakistan as a State Sponsor of terrorism. Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, said, "It is time we stopped paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism."
In a massive blow to the south Asian country, the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act was introduced by Republican Poe along with Congressman Dana Rohrabacher of the Democratic Party. "Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the US for years. From harbouring Osama bin Laden to its cosy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the War on Terror, and it's not America's," Poe said.
He said the bill would require the Obama government to formally answer this question. The President will have to issue a report within 90 days of passage detailing whether or not Pakistan has provided support for international terrorism. "Thirty days after that, the Secretary of State must issue a follow up report containing either a determination that Pakistan is a State Sponsor of terrorism or a detailed justification as to why Pakistan does not meet the legal criteria for designation," Poe added.
In the meantime, Congressman Pete Olson supported every effort to bring to the perpetrators of the Uri attack to justice. "I strongly condemn this terrorist attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir that resulted in the death of 18 Indian soldiers. India is a strong partner and ally in peace. I support every effort to find out who committed this heinous act, so that the perpetrators are brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims," he said.
