US National Defence Authorisation Bill of 2014 has been approved by the US House of Representatives which is being assumed as a problem for Pakistan if interruptions to the US/NATO ground supply route through Pakistan continue.
The bill seeks a certification from the US defence secretary that Pakistan is taking definite actions against Al Qaeda and other militant groups active along the Pak-Afghan border.
The development follows US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel’s recent visit to Pakistan during which he was reported to have warned Pakistan of the sour mood changes in Congress.
The bill includes a one-year extension for reimbursing Pakistan for supporting the US-led war against terrorists.
The White House issued a statement on Thursday that noted that “the bill will … support (US) capacity building efforts with foreign military forces, and support contingency or stability operations.”
The bill includes a section which extends funding Pakistan’s counter-terrorism activities for one year with certain modifications.
The amount available for reimbursing Pakistan has been reduced from $1.65 billion in 2013 to $1.5bn in 2014.
The bill also requires the secretary to attest that Pakistan is not using its military or any funds or equipment provided by the US to persecute minority groups for their legitimate and non-violent political and religious beliefs, including the Baloch, Sindhi, and Hazara ethnic groups and minority religious groups, including Christian, Hindu and members of the Ahmadiya community.
The bill is expected to be also approved by the Senate.