Senate orders gradual reduction of military aid to Pakistan

The Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment to the 2012 Defense spending bill that would order the Pentagon to find ways to gradually diminish payments it makes as reimbursement to Pakistan for its role in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 

The amendment, penned by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), comes as the near future of the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. has been put into question as a result of a NATO airstrike on two Pakistani military outposts last week that took the life of 24 Pakistani soldiers.

“This amendment asks for certain reporting to take place from the Pentagon and for them to work at ways of diminishing this reimbursement over time as we wind down our operations in Afghanistan,” said Corker, explaining the amendment from the Senate floor.

Corker, however, said his amendment was designed in such a way as to avoid further provocation against Pakistan.

“This amendment has been drafted in such a way so as to not further escalate tensions between us and the government of Pakistan,” said Corker, who also described it as a “good government” amendment. 

Floor managers for the underlying bill, Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), approved of the amendment, as well as expressed suspicion about the allegiance of some factions inside Pakistan’s military. Both senators also conveyed condolences for the soldiers who perished in those NATO airstrikes.