Calls Pakistani physician Dr. Shakil Afridi an international hero
By Dileep Thekkethil
Questioning Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism, the US House of Representatives has approved the National Defence Authorization Act that puts a lid on the controversial $450 million aid to Pakistan. It noted that the South Asian nation has done little to thwart terrorism.
The GOP-dominated House passed the NDAA 2017 (H R 4909) on Wednesday night with a majority of 277 against 147 votes. The act also includes three major amendments that reflect strong anti-Pakistan sentiment prevailing among US lawmakers.
Reps. Ted Poe (R-TX) and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) added a condition to the bill asking the Obama administration to certify that Pakistan has met the promises that they assured before releasing the $450 million aid. The bill asks the administration to provide evidence to prove that Pakistan has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting senior leaders and mid-level operatives of the Haqqani network.
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) added a clause in the amendment asking the Secretary of Defense to certify to the Congress that Pakistan is not using its military aid or any funds or equipment provided by the United States to persecute minority groups seeking political or religious freedom.
Rohrabacher and Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ) inserted a clause saying that Dr. Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani physician who helped the CIA run a fake hepatitis vaccine program in Abbottabad and thus confirmed Osama bin Laden’s presence in the city by obtaining DNA samples, is “an international hero” and that his illegal imprisonment in Pakistan is condemnable and so he should be released immediately.
The bill says the Government of Pakistan has leveled and allowed baseless charges against Dr. Afridi in a “politically motivated, spurious legal process.” It also questions commitment of Pakistan in countering terrorism and undermines the notion that Pakistan is a true ally in the struggle against terrorism.
The Senate now needs to pass the NDAA-2017 after which it will be sent to President Barack Obama.
The White House had earlier expressed strong objections to several provisions of the bill, including the one related to $450 million in aid to Pakistan.
“The administration objects to section 1212 (of HR 4919), which would make USD 450 million of CSF (Coalition Support Fund) to Pakistan ineligible for the Secretary of Defense’s waiver authority unless the Secretary provides a certification to the Congressional defense committees,” the White House said in its statement.
“We share the committee’s concerns regarding the threat posed to our forces and interests in Afghanistan by the Haqqani Network, and we continue to engage with Pakistan at the highest levels regarding the need for concerted action specifically against the group,” the White House said.
Ignoring the objections of the White house, Rep. Mark Thornberry, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, on late Wednesday asked the members of the House to approve these amendments en block, and the bill was passed without a voting.