WASHINGTON: The Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, has announced that President Joe Biden requested $101 million in ‘multi-purpose aid’ for Pakistan.
Lu presented this written budget request to the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.
The funds are intended to strengthen democracy, combat militancy, and promote human rights in the country.
Budget requests, policy proposals, and funding plans are crucial elements of the legislative process in the US, aiming to inform and persuade lawmakers about proposed expenditures and policy directions.
However, the overall budget proposal of $1.01 billion for South and Central Asia, marking a 1.9 percent decrease from fiscal year 2023.
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Lu highlighted that the funds would support efforts to strengthen democracy, civil society, and economic reforms, while also addressing terrorism and extremism.
Lu also addressed previous criticisms regarding US policy’s impact on Pakistan’s internal affairs, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to constructive engagement and denial of accusations regarding its role in political changes within Pakistan.
