With the USA deciding to grant a fresh lot of $532 million aid to Pakistan after lauding its counter-terrorism efforts, India has asserted that Pakistan is not showing “sustained commitment” or “ceasing support” or dismantling “bases of operations” of terror groups, including lashkar-e-Tayyeba (leT) and Al-Qaeda. India has also expressed its concerns over the (mis)use of US financial aid by Pakistan.
India’s reaction came after US Secretary of State John Kerry signed off on a certification that makes Pakistan eligible for a fresh allocation of aid under Kerry-lugar Bill. The money is given after a US certification that Pakistan has curbed terror.
While saying how the US Government decides to spend its tax payers money is entirely their prerogative, India has expressed reservations over Pakistan’s efforts in containing terrorists.
“India does not believe that Pakistan is showing sustained commitment or making significant effort, ceasing support, dismantling bases of operations of the leT, Jaish-e-Muhammad, the Haqqani network and quite possibly the Al-Qaeda,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
He added, “With increasing citing of Punjabi/Urdu speaking elements operating with terrorist groups inside Afghanistan, we now also know that these very groups also pose a significant threat to members of the international community working in Afghanistan including to Indian diplomatic personnel working in the Indian Embassy in Kabul and our four Consulates.”
This year’s grant of $532 million to Pakistan was approved by US Congress. However, US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said she had voted against the Bill.