US: Donald Trump administration proposes massive $190 million cut in aid to Pakistan

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has proposed $344 million in financial assistance to Pakistan including $100 million in foreign military funding, leading to a whooping $190 million reduction in grant as compared to the 2016 fiscal.

The US assistance to Pakistan under the State Department budget was $534 million last year, which included $225 million towards foreign military funding.

"Pakistan plays a key role in US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and stability and economic integration in South and Central Asia. It is also a large and growing economy offering profitability for US businesses," the State Department said in its annual budget proposals sent to the US Congress.

In the maiden budget of the Trump administration, the State Department said that it will maintain a robust diplomatic presence that will enable continued bilateral cooperation on the many joint US-Pakistan interests, and bolster stability in this strategically important country.

The State Department has proposed $344 million in financial assistance and grant to Pakistan including $100 million in foreign military funding, which is used for sale of military hardware.

In all, the State Department has proposed a massive $190 million reduction in its financial assistance to Pakistan as compared with the 2016 fiscal. The current 2017 fiscal would end on September 30 this year.

In addition to State Department's financial assistance, Pakistan also receives reimbursement from the Pentagon every year for its expenses towards US operations in Afghanistan.

- - With PTI inputs