WASHINGTON: Trump Administration has proposed a massive $190 million reduction in financial assistance to Pakistan, as compared to the 2016 fiscal. The State Department, in its annual budget proposals sent to the US Congress, said, “Pakistan plays a key role in US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and stability and economic integration in South and Central Asia. It is also a large and growing economy offering profitability for US businesses.”
In Trump's maiden budget, the State Department said it will maintain a robust diplomatic presence that will enable continued bilateral cooperation on the many joint US-Pakistan interests, and bolster stability in this strategically important country. $344 million in financial assistance and grant to Pakistan, including $100 million in foreign military funding has been proposed. US assistance last year was $534 million, including $225 million towards foreign military funding.
The State Department proposed $100 million to Pakistan under the Overseas Contingency Operations, which, it said, will be used to advance US national security interests in Pakistan by supporting Pakistan's capacity to improve stability and security and fight terrorism, including through the elimination of safe havens for terrorist and militant organisations. It also proposed $25 million to build Pakistan's capacity to combat violent extremism and transnational crime, secure its borders, build the human and institutional capacity of civilian law enforcement, counter the production and trafficking of illicit narcotics, and enhance the rule of law and access to justice.
