WASHINGTON: A Bill has been introduced in the US House of Representatives that seeks to terminate Pakistan’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, and require annual certification from the president with certain conditions for Islamabad to be given such a designation.
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The Bill (HR 80) titled “To terminate the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes” was introduced by Congressman Andy Biggs, who represents the fifth Congressional district of Arizona.
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The Bill states:
(1) the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally pursuant to section 517(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k(a)(1)) or any other provision of law is hereby terminated; and
(2) the President may not issue a separate designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally pursuant to section 517(a)(1) of such Act or any other provision of law unless the President submits to Congress a certification described in subsection (b).
(b) Certification.—A certification described in this subsection is a certification that contains a determination of the President that—
(1) Pakistan continues to conduct military operations that are contributing to significantly disrupting the safe haven and freedom of movement of the Haqqani Network in Pakistan;
(2) Pakistan has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to prevent the Haqqani Network from using any Pakistani territory as a safe haven;
(3) the Government of Pakistan actively coordinates with the Government of Afghanistan to restrict the movement of militants, such as the Haqqani Network, along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border; and
(4) Pakistan has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting Haqqani Network senior leaders and mid-level operatives.
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It is important to mention here that the Bill needs to be passed by the House and the Senate before it can be signed into law by the US President, and has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary actions.
