WASHINGTON: The US Congress has approved the bill of $400 million aid to Pakistan, but the aid can only be released in case when the defense secretary certifies that Pakistan is taking steps against the Haqqani network of Afghan militants, Aaj News reported. 

Passed by the US House of Representatives (by 375 to 34 votes) last week, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017 now heads to the White House for President Barack Obama to sign it into law. Earlier, the Senate passed the bill by 92 to 7 votes on Friday.

US Congress has said that $400 million in aid to Pakistan cannot be released unless the defense secretary certifies that Islamabad is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani Network, which is accused of targeting American interests.