Washington, Nov. 29 (ANI): America's National Defence Authorisation Act 2013 (NDAA), which seeks to place Pakistan under the spotlight for action against terror groups operating inside its territory, states that no reimbursements can be made to Pakistan that were claimed by the country during the period when the ground lines of supply through Pakistan to Afghanistan were closed.
Additionally, the bill says that no more than 1,750,000,000 dollars can be given to Pakistan in the fiscal year 2013 - this figure does not include reimbursements made to Pakistan during fiscal year 2013 from previous funds, reports The Express Tribune.
The bill states that the US Secretary of Defence has to certify to congressional defence committees that Pakistan is taking action against terrorist groups including the Haqqani Network, the Quetta Shura and against improvised explosive device manufacturers.
It further says that the Defence Secretary has to certify to congressional defence committees that Pakistan has opened and is maintaining security along the ground lines of supply to Afghanistan for the Pakistan counterinsurgency.
The certification requirements include that Pakistan is not providing support to militant extremist groups including the Haqqani Network and the Afghan Taliban Quetta Shura present in Pakistan that are carrying out cross-border attacks against the US, Afghan or coalition forces.
The requirements state that "Pakistan is demonstrably cooperating with US counterterrorism efforts, including by not detaining, prosecuting, or imprisoning citizens of Pakistan as a result of their cooperation with such efforts, including Dr Shakil Afridi".
Additionally, the US secretary of defence has to certify that Pakistan is demonstrating "a continuing commitment, and is making significant efforts toward the implementation of a strategy, to counter improvised explosive devices, including efforts to attack improvised explosive device networks, monitor known precursors used in improvised explosive devices, and develop and implement a strict protocol for the manufacture of explosive materials (including calcium ammonium nitrate) and accessories and for their supply to legitimate end users."
The bill was added to the Senate's calendar after a motion was moved; however, no date has yet been set for hearing the bill. Previously, the NDAA 2012 bill froze 700 million dollars in the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund. (ANI)