Bill for terminating Pakistan as major non-NATO ally tabled in US Congress

The resolution states that if a US President desires to put Pakistan back on the list, he or she will have to certify to the Congress that Pakistan continues to conduct military operations that are contributing to significantly disrupting the safe Haven of terrorists.

Imran Khan/ Image: Facebook

New Delhi: A bill has been introduced in US Congress seeking to terminate the designation of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, at a time when Trump seeks efforts of Pakistan in the Afghan peace process The bill was tabled by Republican Congressman Andy Briggs, which also sought to set conditions for its re-designation if any. The Bill is known as Resolution H.R. 73 and has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary action.

If a US President desires to put Pakistan back on the list, the resolution states that he or she will have to certify to the Congress that Pakistan continues to conduct military operations that are contributing to significantly disrupting the safe Haven and freedom of movement of the Haqqani Network in that country, news agency PTI reported.

It also seeks certification from the Congress that Pakistan has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to prevent the Haqqani Network from using any Pakistani territory as a safe haven.

It seeks certification that the Pakistan government actively coordinates with the Government of Afghanistan to restrict the movement of militants, such as the Haqqani Network, along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The President also has to certify to the US Congress that Pakistan has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting Haqqani Network’s senior leaders and mid-level operatives.

Biggs, a second-term legislator, has no cosponsor and his move will need a strong support from the Trump administration and the Democratic Party to pass a House dominated by the Democrats. Trump administration, too is unlikely to support the move, The Dawn reported.

Citing Pakistan’s increased role in Afghanistan’s peace process, the newspaper stated: “It is unlikely that the Trump administration would encourage any move to further isolate Pakistan in the present circumstances.”