By NNN-APP,
New York : An influential American newspaper on Monday urged President George W. Bush to recast Washington-Islamabad relations — making clear that he is committed to strengthening both Pakistan’s democracy and its ability to fight extremism—as Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani began his official visit here.
In an editorial coinciding with Gilani’s visit during which he will hold talks with Bush, The New York Times also asked the US Congress to approve a legislation which would provide substantial long-term increases in economic assistance to Pakistan and tighter monitoring of American military assistance.
Introduced by top lawmakers Joseph Biden (Democrat) and Richard Lugar (Republican) of the Senate Foreign Relations Committeee, the legislation recommends tripling of non-military aid to $ 1.5 billion a year.
“The imbalance it seeks to remedy between lavish but misdirected military aid and miserly economic assistance was highlighted in the recent Congressional skirmish over who would pay for modernizing Pakistan’s jet fighters, “ The Times said.
In addition, The Times made a plea to Congress to approve funds needed to upgrade Pakistan’s aging F-16s.
“Under present aid formulas, Washington can pay for the F-16 upgrades only by shifting funds from equipment better suited for fighting the Taliban. Pakistan needs more such equipment ‘not less’ including Cobra helicopters and night-vision goggles.
“Pakistan should not be modernizing the F-16’s at all, but that deal was made long ago. Congress should hold its nose and approve this year’s F-16 money, plus additional emergency funds for the helicopters and goggles. Then it should quickly enact the Biden-Lugar legislation,” it added.
That way, The Times said Pakistan will have reliable funding for future social programmes and be able to focus American military aid on counter-terrorism.
“It is an imperfect solution but could be the start of a better relationship one that promotes democracy and the fight against Al Qaeda,” the editorial said.