Thaindian News

Washington, June 11 (IANS) Pakistan has received more than $30 billion in aid from the US since 1948 — and two-thirds of this came after the 9/11 attacks, a US congressional report has informed lawmakers here.

Online news agency reported Saturday that the US lawmakers are questioning the massive aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s killing May 2 in Abbottabad city of Pakistan by US special commandos.

“Some question the gains from the aid, saying there is a lack of accountability and reform by the Pakistani government, and any goodwill generated by it is offset by widespread anti-American sentiment among the Pakistani people,” the Congressional Research Service (CRS) informed members of the Congress in a 47-page internal report this week.

The report says that Pakistan has been among the leading recipients of US foreign assistance - both historically and in financial year 2010 - and most experts list the country among the most strategically important for US policy makers.

“Given the current budgetary constraints facing the US and the recent strained relationship, the 112th Congress may question the return on such large investments in Pakistan, the second largest US aid recipient,” it said.

For the fiscal 2012, the Obama administration has requested the Congress $2.965 billion for aid to Pakistan. This is in addition to $1.75 billion in Pentagon funding to reimburse coalition partners for logistical and operational support of US-led military operations worldwide.

Pakistan has in the past received more than three-fourths of such funds for its support related to US efforts in Afghanistan, it said.

On May 3, HR 1699, the Pakistan Foreign Aid Accountability Act, was introduced in the House and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The act would prohibit future foreign assistance to Pakistan unless the Secretary of State certifies that the Pakistan government was not complicit in hiding bin Laden. To date, the bill has not emerged from the committee.