Obama proposes over $1b civil, military aid to Pakistan

• While US seeks 10 per cent cut in economic assistance to Pakistan, the US budgetary proposals show a more than six-fold increase in foreign military financing (FMF) to Pakistan from $42.2m in 2014 to $265m in 2016
• Obama administration has also proposed $ 334.9m for economic support fund and $ 143.1m especially for counter-terrorism and non-proliferation efforts

United States President Barack Obama has proposed over $ 1 billion as civilian and military aid to “strategically important” Pakistan for fighting terror, economic development, safety of nuclear installations and improving ties with India among other objectives.

The budgetary proposals, released by the US State Department after Obama sent them to the Congress, show a more than six-fold increase in the foreign military financing (FMF) to Pakistan from $ 42.2 million in 2014 to $ 265 million in 2016.

The key elements of the proposed budget include strengthening Pakistani military for its fight against extremism, safety of nuclear installations, stability in Afghanistan and economic development.

In addition, the Obama administration proposed $ 334.9 million for economic support fund and $ 143.1 million especially for counter-terrorism and non-proliferation efforts.

Pakistan lies at the heart of the US counter-terrorism strategy, peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts and economic integration in South and Central Asia, the US State Department said.

For Pakistan, the budget demonstrates US commitment to fostering stability and prosperity, and provides security assistance that promotes counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capabilities, the State Department said.

The budget continues to support public engagement and partnership programmes in Pakistan and maintains staffing in order to support these critical US priorities, the statement added.

Proposing $ 265 million for Pakistan under FMF, the US State Department argued that it was essential for Pakistan’s efforts to increase stability in its western border region and ensure overall stability within its own borders.

The budgetary request is part of US President Barack Obama’s $4 trillion spending plan for 2016.

The FMF will continue to focus on seven priority areas identified and agreed with Pakistan. These include precision strikes, air mobility and combat search and rescue, counter-improvised explosive device and battlefield survivability, battlefield communications, night operations, border security, and maritime security/counter narcotics in support of counter terrorism aims.

For Pakistan, the Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) request of $ 36 million will support critical US activities such as sustaining close cooperation with Islamabad, working with the country to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan. The State Department said the OCO funds will help facilitate increased stability and prosperity in this “strategically important nation”.

Moreover, the Obama administration is deliberating a 10 per cent cut in economic and security assistance provided to Pakistan in its new financial year budget proposal.

The administration has sought over $ 800million of which $ 534million is reserved for civilian assistance and $ 307million for security assistance, according to the Voice of America.

The budget document stated that the request for aid demonstrates US commitment to assist Pakistan’s counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency capabilities.