Lawmakers praise Pakistani aid package

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The passage of a financial aid package for Pakistan by the U.S. House of Representatives represents an investment in diplomacy, top lawmakers said.

The House on Wednesday passed legislation by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., to triple the amount of financial assistance to Pakistan.

Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described the passage as a reflection of the "true strategic partnership" between Pakistan and the United States.

The bill triples the amount of aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion from 2010 to 2014 with a focus on economic and educational development. The measure also authorizes U.S. military assistance to help Pakistan in its fight against al-Qaida and other insurgents, focusing specifically on counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism measures.

Lugar in his opening statement for a hearing on Afghanistan's impact on Pakistan on Thursday described the measure as "an important step" in addressing the "real and profound" threats to U.S. national security.

"The bill represents a long-overdue investment in diplomacy and development in this region," he added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the legislation was "absolutely critical" to strengthen Pakistan's security forces.

The measure comes as U.S. lawmakers and military strategists weigh dour assessments on the conflict in Afghanistan amid declining public support and mounting casualties.