n Not materially interfering in the political or judicial processes of Pakistan.

By limiting its certification to just the LeT and JeM, sources said, the Bill does not acknowledge deeper links of these outfits which Berman had sought to reflect in his formulation. Already, these groups are working under different names and cannot be tackled unless their links with security agencies become a matter of regular scrutiny.

Moreover, the Berman Bill had a provision and procedure by which the Congress could overturn a Presidential determination. There is no such provision in this case and so, no possibility of the Congress being able to reject this certification.

There has been massive lobbying on Capitol Hill from Pakistan ever since Berman moved the PEACE Act and this has had its impact besides the diplomatic conversations between Pakistani officials and the US.

Despite Washington’s anxiety over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, the Senate Bill makes no reference to A Q Khan as, perhaps, a measure to not make it more difficult for the Zardari government in Islamabad.

While India understands the need for US to move cautiously with the civilian government in Pakistan, loosening Congressional oversight on military aid to Pakistan has long-term implications besides the impetus it may end up giving to India-specific terrorist outfits in Pakistan.