US lawmaker calls for re-evaluation of aid to Pakistan

Washington, Jan 7: A top American lawmaker has called for re-evaluation of aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of the attack on IAF base in Pathankot, saying the US should not provide assistance to nations that help terrorists.

"It is being reported that members of the Pakistani military may have provided training and assistance to the jihadists who attacked India this week," Congressman Ted Poe said in a statement. "If this is true, the United States must immediately re-evaluate aid to Pakistan which I have long called for.

We should not send money to nations who provide assistance to terrorists," the Republican lawmaker from Texas said. "We stand with our friend India during this time and urge all nations in the region, including Pakistan, to join together to bring the attackers to justice," said Poe who is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.

Poe said the deadly terror attack on the Pathankot air base was a reminder that India faces the same threat of radical Islamic terrorism. "Unfortunately, India's neighbour Pakistan has provided safe haven to terrorists for years from shielding Osama bin Laden to backing covert terrorist operations around the world," he said.

PTI