23 Oct 2010

More military aid pledged to Pakistan by US

6:46 am on 23 October 2010

The United States plans to give Pakistan $US2 billion in fresh military aid over a five-year period.

The new aid for the years 2012 - 2016 is on top of a civilian assistance programme worth $US7.5 billion that's already been agreed.

The military aid package still has to be approved by Congress.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi rejected naysayers who argue that Islamabad's heart is not in the fight against the insurgents.

"Prophets of doom are back in business, painting doomsday scenarios about our alliance," he said. "They are dead wrong."

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton on Friday praised Pakistan for its efforts in the fight against terrorism.

She also said 13 working groups focusing on issues from water to energy have agreed on plans to immunize 90% of Pakistani schoolchildren, improve electricity supplies and help farming families get back on their feet after the floods in August.