US senators are pushing to continue sending funds, worth $1.1 billion, to Pakistan, after being held up for six months. The US had stopped the because of the blockage of supply lines to NATO forces in Afghanistan. Those lines are now open.
Pakistan blocked the crucial supply routes after Pakistani troops were killed in a US drone attack, severely damaging diplomatic ties with the US. Washington has since made an apology, which Pakistan acknowledged.
Congress has already approved the resumption of aid to Pakistan. The funds partially constitute reimbursement for the Pakistan government’s spending on counter-terrorism operations along the border. Officials said that cutting aid to Pakistan would loosen leverage, particularly in the case of Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi, who was charged with treason for helping the US track Osama Bin Laden.