Washington (Web Desk): US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu on Tuesday stated that the Biden administration has requested $101 million in aid for Pakistan to fight terrorism, support economic reforms and provide debt relief.
Speaking before a subcommittee of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Lu said that the aid aims to stabilise Pakistan's economy and uphold democracy and human rights.
He said that financial assistance aims to stabilise Pakistan's economy, which is in dire straits even after the government secured a 37-month-long International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
It is pertinent to mention that Donald Lu was accused by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan of involvement in his government's ousting in 2022.
In his briefing, Lu also expressed concern over the rights of women and minority groups in Afghanistan, stressing that normalisation of relations with the Taliban government hinges on the respect of Afghan citizens' rights.
The US diplomat demanded the release of all American prisoners held by the Taliban.