USA: bill to terminate Pakistan as major non-NATO ally introduced in Congress

In a sign of growing international pressure on Pakistan, an American lawmaker has introduced a legislation in the US House of Representatives regarding the Asian country.

The legislation proposes termination of Pakistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally. For Pakistan to retain the designation, the bill suggests an annual certification from the US President with certain conditions.

The legislation was introduced by Congressman Andy Biggs from Arizona. It needs to be passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate before being signed into law by the President.

Normally, such bills do not fructify, but the present bill reflects the sentiments of the lawmakers against Pakistan, which is known for harbouring terrorism and using it as a matter of State policy.

For any further continuation of Pakistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally, the bill asks the US president to issue a certification that the country has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting Haqqani Network senior leaders and mid-level operatives and has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to prevent the Haqqani Network from using any Pakistani territory as a safe haven.

Both conditions are seen to be a tall order for Pakistan given that many in the US believe the Haqqani network to be a veritable arm of the ISI.

(With agency inputs)

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