A senior Republican Congressman has welcomed the passage of the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement (PEACE) Act 2009, which imposes stiff conditions on non-military aid to Islamabad to flush out terrorism.

Ed Royce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, has said the legislation will ensure that actions taken by Pakistani authorities will have consequences.

“For far too long, Pakistan has taken US assistance with one hand, while undoing US efforts to bring stability to Afghanistan with the others. Pakistan has been receiving US aid to fight terrorism, while keeping its Army aimed at India.

“This legislation lays down an important principle that Pakistani actions will have consequences,” Royce said after the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the PEACE Act 2009 by a voice vote.

The PEACE Act, which now goes to the floor of the House of Representatives for consideration, requires Islamabad to provide “direct access” to Pakistani nationals connected to proliferation networks and cease support, including by any elements within the Pakistan military or its intelligence agency, to extremist and terrorist groups.

The Act also requires Islamabad to prevent cross-border attacks into neighbouring countries as conditions to US security assistance.

“Congress is sending an important signal — that we must see progress on A Q Khan, ISI, and the terrorists targeting US troops and neighbouring India. I hope the administration hears us,” Ed Royce said in a statement, even as the final version of the bill has removed all direct reference to India and has replaced the word India with neighbouring countries.

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