Obama signs Pakistani aid bill

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama signed a measure Thursday to grant $7.5 billion in aid to Pakistan amid concerns from Islamabad over possible conditions.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs in a statement on the signing of the bill praised it for formalizing the U.S.-Pakistani partnership in economic develop and combating extremists.

"This law is the tangible manifestation of broad support for Pakistan in the United States, as evidenced by its bipartisan, bicameral, unanimous passage in Congress," the statement read.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari had voiced his support for the bill, though military officials and opposition leaders said the measure opened the door for U.S. interference in military and civilian affairs.

The bill focuses on economic and educational development for Pakistan. 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.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., one of the bill's authors, sought to allay Pakistan's concerns over sovereignty issues, telling Pakistani media there was "nothing in the bill which poses a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and no specific condition has been mentioned for the aid."

P.J. Crowley, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, echoed the White House statement, saying it was a reflection of the important relationship between the two countries.

"This bill is a reflection of the long-term commitment that the United States is making to Pakistan," he said. "We appreciate the friendship of the Pakistani people."