9 October 2009 / AP, ISLAMABAD
The Pakistani government fought back against army criticism of a proposed multibillion dollar US aid package on Thursday, arguing that the military had no reservations about taking such assistance when it ruled the country two years ago.
The debate came at a time when the US hoped to unite all sides as the military prepared for an expected offensive against the Taliban and al-Qaeda along the nation's northwest border with Afghanistan, an operation likely to be prolonged and bloody. But the country's pro-US government has been suddenly swamped with a wave of opposition to the package, which would provide $1.5 billion a year over the next five years to Pakistan, tripling nonmilitary assistance to the country. It also authorizes “such sums as may be necessary” for counterterrorism assistance -- but only if it cracks down on militancy and other conditions. The army brass raised “serious concern” on Wednesday over strings attached to the bill, bolstering opposition politicians who have said the conditions would lead to US meddling in Pakistan's affairs. Underpinning the debate was the ongoing tensions between the fragile civilian government and the country's powerful military, which ruled Pakistan for about half of its 62-year history.
