IMF, US Aid Packages for Pakistan
Aid for Pakistan is overflowing.
On 9th December, the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday approved the release of $1.2 billion to Pakistan, reported AFP.
The IMF in a statement said its executive board completed two reviews of Pakistan’s economic programs, clearing about $1 billion under its main loan facility and another $200 million from a separate climate-focused program.
Pakistan is currently battling one of its its worst economic crises in years.
On heels of te IMF package comes the announcement of another package – of military aid – for Islamabad.
According to the Times of India the current US administration of President Donald Trump has lined up a package of $686 million for Pakistan. This aid is to be used for the sustainment and modernization of Pakistan’s ageing F16 fleet
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the UShas sent the proposal to the US Legislature. It will be under a 30 day review period. The Times of India further reported that the package provides $649 million for funding items such as avionics upgrade, cryptographic modules, mission planning software, spare parts, simulators, logistical support from contractor like Lockheed Martin.
$37 Million will Finance defence equipment, including 92 Links 16 tactical data link systems for secure real-time battlefield data sharing with US and NATO forces, plus six inert Mk-82 500-pound bomb bodies for integration testing.
Importantly, the sake has been justified by DSCA as being vital to US national security, the report said. This will enable Pakistan – a Major non-NATO ally – to sustain interoperability in counter-terrorism operations and joint exercises.
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