Hillary Clinton: Elements in Pakistan government are aware of the Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts; Clinton calls Pakistan China nuclear deal “a matter of concern”; US gives Pakistan a fresh aid package of US $ 500 million; Clinton hopes money from Kerry
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    • US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was on a visit to Pakistan during which she reiterated that certain people in the Pakistan government are aware of the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden and that US is keen to capture him. Clinton stated that the relationship with Pakistan was of utmost importance to US as it is Pakistan “where the principal terrorist threat to the United States emanates from”.1 She also commented on the Pakistan China Nuclear deal by calling it “a matter of concern”. Clinton referred to the clarifications which US seeks from China on the issue and the set of questions that NSG has placed before the China and Pakistan.2

    Meanwhile, US has reportedly given Pakistan a fresh aid package of US $ 500 million aimed primarily to change the public opinion in US’s favour. The aid targets development in sphere of agriculture, water, power and health.3 This was in addition to the Kerry Lugar Bill promising $ 7.5 billion of US aid and which was embroiled in controversies due to the conditionality clause attached to it. Clinton hoped the money from the Kerry Lugar funds would be judiciously employed in worthwhile purposes.4 However, in a significant development, Army Chief General Kayani who was due to retire in November 2010 has been given a three year extension.5

    In other developments, US Treasury department on July 23 issued a note on three Taliban leaders urging Pakistan to take strict action against the Haqqani network.6 Besides this, Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen stressed that Pakistan needs to undertake strict action against the Lashkar e Taiba (LeT) which has become a threat to global security.7 Mullen was speaking to media persons in Islamabad on July 24.

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