US Aid on Pakistan

Prelims level : Mains level : International
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  • • The US military plans to cancel $US300 million ($417m) in aid to Pakistan because of Islamabad’s lack of “decisive actions” in support of American strategy in the region. It follows the decision of US last week to stop aid to the UN Palestinian refugee agency and redefine the term Palestinian refugee, slashing their number to 10 per cent.
  • US accuse Islamabad of ignoring or even collaborating with groups that attack Afghanistan from safe havens along the border.
  • US aid to Pakistan has been a point of tension and controversy for both countries for decades.

Impact of the move:

  • If Pakistan decides to retaliate, some or all of these benefits could go away. Pakistan could stop sharing intelligence on terrorist groups with the US. It could seal off its bases. It could shut down supply routes.
  • If Pakistan shuts off this access, the alternative would likely involve using Central Asian countries north of Afghanistan and more aircraft to deliver supplies, which is far more expensive.
  • Pakistan could also end up embracing the US’s rivals, China and Russia, to compensate for Washington’s rejection.
  • And while China has already grown very close to Pakistan in recent years with its massive investment in Pakistani infrastructure, deepening that relationship would possibly permanently move Pakistan out of the US orbit of influence.
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