World Sindhi Congress Calls US Congressional Aid Bill to Pakistan, ‘A Step in the Right Direction’
Protection of common Peoples Must be Made Part of Future Checks and Balances
LONDON, The World Sindhi Congress joined many civil society groups in praising the decision of the US congress to promote regional peace and civil society in Pakistan by conditionally allocating civilian and military aid to Pakistan, based upon the Pakistani government’s adherence to democratic principles and international human rights agreements. The ‘S.962 Enhanced Partnership to Pakistan Act of 2009’, also known as the Kerry-Lugar Bill, was signed last week by President Obama, and authorizes the five-year allocation of US $7.5 billion dollars to Pakistan for civilian, educational, technical and capacity-building purposes. Furthermore, this bill incorporates new checks and balances designed to ensure the proper distribution of the money for civilian government, and deter the appropriation of the funds by Miltary establishment…
As representatives of the global Sindhi community, World Sindhi Congress deeply appreciates Senator Kerry and Senator Lugar for their efforts in safeguarding the rights of oppressed nations and other religious minorities in Pakistan by introducing a bill that upholds the fundamental human rights of citizens and demands an end to the disappearances of dissidents…
World Sindhi Congress on behalf of American-Sindhis thanked Representative Howard Berman (D-CA) sponsor the HR 1886 and 12 other co-sponsors namely: Rep. Gary Ackerman (D, NY-5) Rep. Gerald Connolly (D, VA-11] Rep. Barney Frank (D, MA-4), Rep. Steve Israel (D, NY-2), Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D, TX-18), Rep. Mark Kirk (R, IL-10), Rep. James McDermott (D, WA-7), Rep. Michael McMahon (D, NY-13), Rep. Edward Royce (R, CA-40), Rep. Brad Sherman (D, CA-27), Rep. Christopher Van Hollen (D, MD-8), Rep. Robert Wexler (D, FL-19).
“The WSC regards the Kerry-Lugar bill as a great step toward accountability and furthering of democratic principles in Pakistan. We look forward to continue our work with Congress to ensure that the rights of common people as well as those of religious minorities, are no longer violated by establishment “, Mr. Shaikh further added.
Oct 31, 2009
Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj) 