The U.S. Congress has put new conditions on military aid to Pakistan - linking some funds to proof that Islamabad is restoring democracy and succeeding in the fight against Islamic militants.
Under the new restrictions, Congress has placed conditions on $50 million out of total of $300 million of U.S. aid to Pakistan.
Congress says the $50 million will be paid once Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice confirms that Islamabad is making progress in preventing al-Qaida and other extremist groups from operating on Pakistani territory by eliminating training camps and arresting terrorists.
Other conditions include the restoration of the constitution, civil liberties and an independent judiciary by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
The United States reviewed its aid package to Pakistan after President Musharraf imposed emergency rule on November third. U.S. lawmakers wanted new conditions even though Mr. Musharraf has since lifted the state of emergency and stepped down as army chief.
The aid conditions are included in a huge omnibus spending bill already approved by the Senate. The House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday. It now goes to President Bush for final approval.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.
