KABUL - The US House of Representatives on Thursday voted 277 to 147 in favour of a defence policy bill, tying military assistance to Pakistan to a rigorous crackdown on the Haqqani network.
The Housepassed the $602 billion National Defense Authorization Act 2017, which will block $450 million in aid to Pakistan unless it takes concrete action the rebel group, a threat to US forces in Afghanistan.
Under the measure, the Pentagon will have to certify that Pakistan does not allow the Haqqanis to use North Waziristan as a safe haven and actively coordinates with the Afghan government to fight against the network.
At least three amendments related to Pakistan were added to the bill and passed by a unanimous voice vote. A fourth requirement to release the aid is the administration’s certification that Pakistan has shown progress in prosecuting top leaders of the group.
The House version is not final as it must be combined with a Senate bill before being sent to the White House for President Barack Obama to sign, or veto. (Pajhwok)