The US Congressional conference committee has sought to condition a significant portion of American funding to Pakistan on a Pentagon certification that the country is taking demonstrable steps against extremism. 

The National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2017 passed on Wednesday by a congressional conference committee authorises up to $900 million in coalition support funds for Pakistan. Of this amount, $400 million has been made contingent upon a certification from the US defence secretary that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps against extremism in Pakistani territory.

US defence secretary Ashton Carter refused to give a similar certification to Pakistan this year as a result of which it was not given a $300 million under coalition support fund.

NDAA-2017 "refocuses security assistance to Pakistan on activities that directly support US national security interests and conditions a significant portion of funding on a certification from the Secretary of Defence that Pakistan is taking demonstrable steps in war on terror in Pakistani territory," said Senator John McCain.

The NDAA allows for reimbursement of Pakistan for security activities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, including providing training and equipment for the Pakistan Frontier Corps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

-INP