US budget aid under consideration to curb Pakistan’s further dependence on China: Donald Lowe

US Department of State Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lowe says Pakistan I United States There are constant challenges and opportunities in relationships. President Biden has requested a ‘Pakistan Budget’ of $101 million in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.

He told a subcommittee of the US House of Representatives on Tuesday that in Pakistan, ‘this money should be used to strengthen democracy and civil society, fight terrorism and violent extremism, stabilize Pakistan’s economy, China will be used to help with economic reforms and debt management to prevent further dependence on

“In Pakistan, we are focused on supporting democracy and human rights while advancing our important war against terrorism,” he said.

The Assistant Secretary of the US Department of State said, “We are fighting a major battle in South and Central Asia. This effort is to counter China, counter Russian and Chinese disinformation, and prevent terrorist groups from threatening our security, and we are grateful for the resources Congress has provided for this work. ‘

Donald Lowe said he realizes he lives in a world of budget constraints.

President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2025 budget request for the region is $1.01 billion in foreign aid, which is actually a 10.9 percent decrease from the previous fiscal year. ‘

Referring to US priorities, US State Department Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lowe said that ‘Our first priority is to build a partnership in the Indo-Pacific. China is trying to establish a military and commercial foothold in the Indian Ocean. Our most effective strategy to counter a strong China is to show that we have something better to offer. There are better growth opportunities, better trade deals, and better solutions to their security challenges.’

“Our second priority is to build on the president’s meeting with Central Asian leaders at last year’s C5+1 summit in New York,” he told a subcommittee of the US House of Representatives. Central Asian countries on Ukraine Russia Burdened by the economic impact of the US invasion and the burden of debt imposed by China’s unsustainable debt.

“Increasing U.S. trade and investment and expanding economic opportunities in Central Asian countries will help curb irregular migration to the United States.”

Afghanistan “In Afghanistan, we continue to emphasize our deep concern about the situation of women, girls and minority groups,” said Donald Lowe, referring to In every meeting we make it clear to the Taliban that no significant steps will be taken towards normalizing relations until the rights of all Afghans are respected.’

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The Assistant Secretary of the US Department of State said that the US government has been demanding the Taliban to release all US citizens who are currently in the custody of the Taliban.

“To advance our Indo-Pacific goals, we are diverting additional resources to South Asia,” he said. The president’s budget request of $585.7 million is a 4.8 percent increase over last fiscal year. These funds will strengthen the United States in the Indo-Pacific Quad to provide maritime security, disaster relief and quality infrastructure investments to partner countries in the Indo-Pacific.

‘These funds will improve financial transparency and debt management to help Indian Ocean countries reduce the risk of China’s forced debt.’

The Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs of the US Department of State said, “We are investing in the countries of Central Asia to reduce the intense pressure from Russia and China and to increase the resilience of these countries.” $220.7 million has been requested in the budget for

“Our request will allow us to maintain a strong level of support to support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Central Asian partners.

“As Russia seeks to evacuate Central Asian workers, this assistance will support border security and counter-terrorism programs, and in the areas of job training and professional development.”

A subcommittee of the US House of Representatives was told that various concerns of Congress about Afghanistan have been heard and in response, US aid has been narrowed.

For Afghanistan, the US President has requested a budget of $104 million, which is a 12 percent decrease compared to fiscal year 2023.

A key goal of this budget is to support Afghan women, girls and minority groups whose human rights are still restricted by the Taliban.

Donald Lowe made it clear that US administrative controls and restrictions on aid to Afghanistan are among the toughest in the world. No US or foreign aid is provided to or through the Taliban.

All U.S. assistance is channeled through UN agencies, international NGOs, U.S. NGOs, and trusted implementing partners to Afghans in need.