Britain forms body to keep tab on aid to extremists in Pak

LAHORE - Worried over the origin of financial support being received by extremists in Pakistan, Britain has established a body to monitor the financial assistance being provided to terrorists in the country.

The British Department for International Development has provided funds to the State Bank of Pakistan to promote the finance industry and keep a check on the aid being provided to terrorists in the country, The Daily Times reports.

While the international community, especially the US, has provided millions of dollars to Pakistan to help it fight extremism, fears are that this aid is being misused by Islamabad.

President Obama had recently signed the “Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act”, also known as the Kerry Lugar bill, which gives Pakistan 1.5 billion dollars in aid a year over the next five years.

However, experts doubt that the US’ plan to triple aid to the troubled country will help domestic conditions, and are extremely concerned over money being spent on unauthorized pursuits like strengthening defenses against India, rather than helping America win the ‘war on terror.’ (ANI)