§8402 Findings

Summary

Affirms that the United States and Pakistan share a long friendship and that both countries benefit from making that relationship stronger. Since 2001, the United States has given Pakistan $15,000,000,000 in aid, more than $10,000,000,000 of which was for security and direct payments. Pakistan returned to civilian rule after the February 18, 2008 election and is a major non‑NATO ally and partner against al Qaeda and the Taliban, though more work is needed. The fight with those groups has killed several thousand Pakistani civilians and security personnel over the past seven years. Even after capturing hundreds of terrorists, including Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, Ramzi bin al‑Shibh, and Abu Faraj al‑Libi, areas like the FATA, parts of the NWFP, Quetta in Balochistan, and Muridke in Punjab still shelter terror groups. Pakistani forces have launched military actions in the FATA and NWFP. On March 27, 2009, President Obama said intelligence warned al Qaeda was planning attacks from its Pakistan safe‑haven. A GAO report (GAO–08–622) says a broad plan using diplomacy, military, intelligence, development, economic, and law enforcement tools is needed and was required by section 7102(b)(3) of Public Law 108–458 and section 2042(b)(2) of Public Law 110–53. During 2008–2009 Pakistan faced rising food and fuel prices and severe energy shortages, with two‑thirds of the population living on less than $2 a day and one‑fifth below the poverty line (UNDP). Pakistan has more than 175,000,000 people, a 2% annual growth rate, and ranks 136 of 177 on the UN Human Development Index. The 2009 military offensive in the NWFP and FATA displaced millions and created a major humanitarian crisis, showing the need for an effective national counterinsurgency strategy.