§8402 Findings

Summary

Congress says the United States and Pakistan have a long friendship and should make it stronger. Since 2001, the U.S. has given Pakistan more than $15,000,000,000, including over $10,000,000,000 for security and direct payments. Pakistan returned to civilian rule after a free and fair election on February 18, 2008. Pakistan is a major non‑NATO ally and has helped fight al Qaeda and the Taliban, but more work is needed. Thousands of Pakistani civilians and security personnel have died in the fight over the past seven years. Even after capturing many terrorist leaders, parts of Pakistan (including the FATA, parts of NWFP, Quetta, and Muridke) remain safe havens for al Qaeda and allied groups. Pakistan’s forces have had to act directly, with military operations in the FATA and NWFP. On March 27, 2009, President Obama warned that intelligence showed al Qaeda planning attacks from those safe havens. A Government Accountability Office report said a full strategy using diplomacy, military, intelligence, development aid, economic tools, and law enforcement is needed to deal with the threat. During 2008 and 2009, Pakistan faced high food and fuel prices and energy shortages. Two‑thirds of people live on less than $2 a day, and one‑fifth live below the poverty line, according to the United Nations Development Program. Economic growth is key to security in a country with more than 175,000,000 people, a two percent annual population growth rate, and a UN Human Development Index rank of 136 out of 177. The 2009 military offensive in the NWFP and the FATA displaced millions and became a major humanitarian crisis, showing Pakistan needs an effective national counterinsurgency plan.