Increasingly Strained Relations, U.S. Gives Aid to Pakistan U.S. $ 700 Million

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, ISLAMABAD - The relationship between the United States with its allies in South Asia, Pakistan slumped to the worst point. U.S. Congress on Tuesday (13/12), decided to suspend aid worth 700 million dollars to Pakistan until they provide a guarantee to help fight the spread of homemade bombs on its territory.

Pakistani Senator called the new U.S. policy is not wise and allow further strain relations between the U.S. and his country.

Pakistan is one of the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid and assistance of the frozen value is only a fraction of the billions of dollars in civilian and military aid by the U.S. that rains every year. But this decision could mark the cutting aid is greater.

United States has allocated some 20 billion dollars aid in security and economic assistance to Pakistan since 2001. Mostly in the form of reimbursements for assistance in the fight against militants.

Appeal to the United States to punish Pakistan more and more because they failed to act against militant groups, and at worst, helping militants. Assistance given after the U.S. secret attack in the garrison city of Pakistan, where al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in May.

Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of Pakistan, Salim Saifullah, who has been warned that the relationship is at its lowest, it could get worse with the decision of the U.S. Senate.

"I do not think this is a wise move. This decision could harm the relationship. There should be efforts to enhance cooperation. I do not see any good decision," said Saifullah.