The anti-Pakistan initiative was foiled in the US Congress; while US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken made it clear once again that the US does not support regime change in Pakistan.

Congressman Andy Ogles, a Republican from the US state of Tennessee, proposed to freeze aid to Pakistan in the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Act of 2024, but the move was defeated during a recorded vote in the House.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties voted against, with 298 voting against and 132 voting in favor.

On this occasion, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congresswoman Barbara Lee also argued in favor of continuing aid to Pakistan.

Opposing the initiative, Sheila Jackson called it misleading and said that what my colleagues talk about does not reflect the government and people of Pakistan.

She said that for many decades, the United States has been building multilateral and diverse relations, the two countries have developed cooperation in defense, counter-terrorism, trade, investment and agriculture.

The congresswoman said that cooperation between the two countries is also developing in various fields including energy, climate, health and education. Many Pakistani soldiers sacrificed their lives in the Afghan war. And bilateral relations are moving in the right direction.

Barbara Lee said in this regard that Pakistan’s assistance is necessary for stability in the region, combating extremism and promoting peace and security.

She said that in the fiscal year 2024, 135 million dollars were allocated for Pakistan, which will be spent on economic assistance, anti-narcotics, military education and training, anti-terrorism and health programs.