Kerry responds to Pakistani criticism

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- There is no threat to the sovereignty of Pakistan in a $1.5 billion financial aid package, said U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

U.S. lawmakers passed a recent $1.5 billion aid package for Pakistan that focuses 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.

The measure includes certain language that Pakistani officials complained put restrictions on the aid, which they see as meddlesome.

In an interview with Pakistan's Geo News agency, Kerry, one of the authors of the bill, sought to allay concerns over sovereignty issues.

"There is nothing in the bill which poses a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and no specific condition has been mentioned for the aid," he said.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met with U.S. lawmakers in an effort to quell the row over the aid package.

He told reporters Tuesday that his country would not allow its independence to be compromised by others, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reports.

"We will not allow Pakistan's sovereignty to be compromised and will not allow anybody to micro-manage our affairs," he said.

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.