Trump has allocated nearly $400 million to enhance Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, reversing his previous cut in security aid. This military focus contrasts with minimal humanitarian funding from the U.S. Meanwhile, legal disputes complicate the landscape of aid distribution, while differing administrations maintain distinct strategies towards Pakistan’s role in regional security.
In a notable shift, Trump recently authorized a near $400 million boost for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, indicating ongoing U.S. military support. This decision contrasts sharply with his previous administration’s stance, which saw a cessation of security aid in 2018 due to Pakistan’s perceived inaction on terrorism. The Biden administration reversed this trend, previously approving $450 million in September 2022 for maintaining these aircraft.
Recent aid exemptions emphasize a focus on counter-terrorism initiatives, with approximately $4.1 billion allocated under the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which oversees military sales and assistance. However, humanitarian efforts have been largely sidelined, with the USAID only receiving about $100 million in approved waivers—an insignificant portion of its $40 billion budget.
The Trump administration’s aid strategy has left humanitarian funding dramatically underfunded as it cuts the USAID workforce, dismissing around 1,600 employees. In contrast, countries like Israel and Egypt continue to receive substantial support, reflecting the U.S. foreign policy’s entrenched priorities. As the largest global aid donor, the U.S. dispersed approximately $72 billion in aid last year.
Legal disputes have also emerged around the aid freeze, with a recent U.S. court ruling mandating the restoration of certain programs suspended during the presidential transition. Nevertheless, the clarity on additional exemptions post-February remains ambiguous, complicating the aid landscape.
The Biden administration previously framed Pakistan as a pivotal regional security ally, advocating for enhanced support for its civilian and military sectors to counteract extremism. His policy sought to bolster the country’s governance without disturbing South Asia’s military equilibrium. With Trump reassuming leadership, the trajectory of U.S.-Pakistan relations is fraught with uncertainty as the nation’s foreign policies are reassessed amid ongoing legal challenges regarding aid distribution.
Trump’s recent decision to boost military aid to Pakistan marks a significant policy shift from his earlier stance and signals a prioritization of defense spending over humanitarian efforts. Amid ongoing legal challenges, the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations remains precarious, with contrasting approaches from the former and current administrations. The persistence of legal battles over aid and the varying priorities underscore the complexities facing the bilateral relationship going forward.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
