The Biden administration has requested $101 million aid for Pakistan to fight terrorism, and stabilize the country’s economy”, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said on Tuesday.
Assistant Secretary Donald Lu of the State Department spoke before the House Foreign Affairs committee on Tuesday, outlining the budget proposal for South and Central Asian nations for 2025.
The budget request for Pakistan was $101 million, Lu said the House members, adding, “In Pakistan, we face ongoing challenges and opportunities.”
In addition to bolstering democracy and civil society, the Assistant Secretary claims that the funds would be used to combat terrorism and extremism, assist economic reforms, and manage debt. The aid will also help stabilize Pakistan’s economy and keep the country from becoming even more dependent on China.
In his introductory remarks, he declared, “In Pakistan, we are focused on supporting democracy and human rights while advancing our critical fight against terrorism.”
Lu said the administration is still quite concerned about the state of women, girls, and minority groups in Afghanistan. The top State Department official also asked for the release of all American detainees held by the Afghan Taliban.
