President Joe Biden Requests Over $100 Million Aid for Pakistan

President Joe Biden has requested over $100 million in aid for Pakistan. According to media reports, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, briefed the House of Representatives Committee on the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He stated that President Biden has requested $101 million in aid to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, economic reforms, and debt management. This aid aims to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy.

Donald Lu emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting democracy and human rights in Pakistan, while expressing concerns about the situation in Afghanistan, particularly regarding women’s and minority rights. He stated that relations with the Taliban government could not normalize until they respect Afghan rights and release all American citizens.

Additionally, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Masood Khan, requested aid in the form of small arms and communication equipment to support Pakistan’s ongoing operation against terrorist networks. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in Operation Zarb-e-Azm, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, during his address at the Wilson Center in Washington.

In a separate announcement, President Joe Biden declared his withdrawal from the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. In a letter to American citizens, Biden expressed pride in serving as President and stated that he had decided to withdraw in the best interests of his party and the country. He plans to address the nation later this week to explain his decision.