Approve huge aid to Pakistan: Hillary to lawmakers

Identifying Pakistan as a frontline state along with Afghanistan and Iraq, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday asked American lawmakers to approve the Obama Administration's proposal of $3.2 billion civil and military aid to Islamabad for the fiscal year 2011.

"In Pakistan, our request includes $3.2 billion to combat extremism, promote economic development, strengthen democratic institutions, and build a long-term relationship with the Pakistani people," Clinton said in her testimony before a key Congressional panel.

Appreciating the recent steps taken by President Asif Ali Zardari government, Clinton said Obama Administration has committed some large signature energy projects, because part of their economic challenge is keeping the power on and keeping those factories humming. "I've ordered a redirection of our aid so that we produce results that are in line with the needs and aspirations of the Pakistani people. I think we should explore additional opportunities that might increase more trade, remove more barriers," she said, adding the Pakistanis have to do more as well.

Responding to a question from Senator Dick Lugar about the accountability of the expenditure of US funds, Clinton said: "We are trying to be very thoughtful about how we distribute this money because it is a significant investment in Pakistan."
"We have spent money already on some of the energy projects, which we think are paying off both in terms of what they're doing for the people of Pakistan, but also because we're connected to them."

Clinton said: "It is challenging because we do want to go through Pakistani institutions and NGOs wherever we can but they have to be vetted and we have to feel that they are going to perform in a way that I can come before this committee and report to you is in keeping with our efforts."

The US Government is working with the Pakistani military to try to better create more accountability. "We have asked that they respond whenever any issue is raised with us. I can't sit here and say that, you know, we know everything that is going on, but we are making a concerted effort to try to provide more oversight and expect more accountability in these funds," she said in response to another question.

"What we've done is provide training, provide support to the Pakistanis so that they understand what we expect from them, what we are looking to see," she said.