January 18, 2023
2 mins read

New bill seeks to terminate Pakistan’s MNNA status

The bill seeks a certification that contains a determination that Pakistan has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to preventing the Haqqani Network from using any Pakistani territory as a safe haven…reports Reena Bhardwaj

A US lawmaker has introduced a bill titled “To terminate the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes” in the US Congress that seeks to cancel the designation of Pakistan as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).

The bill tabled by US Congressman Andy Biggs on January 9, removes Pakistan’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, a status that allows for various benefits such as access to excess US defence supplies and makes countries eligible for loans of material, supplies, or equipment for cooperative research, development, testing, or evaluation purposes.

Pertaining to Pakistan, the bill elaborated that the US President cannot issue a separate designation of Pakistan as a Major NATO ally unless a presidential certification states that Pakistan continues to conduct military operations that are contributing to significantly disrupting the safe haven and freedom of movement of the Haqqani Network in Pakistan.

The bill seeks a certification that contains a determination that Pakistan has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to preventing the Haqqani Network from using any Pakistani territory as a safe haven.

The certification must further certify that the Government of Pakistan actively coordinates with the Government of Afghanistan to restrict the movement of militants, such as the Haqqani Network, along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border; and that Pakistan has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting Haqqani Network senior leaders and mid-level operatives.

The MNNA status was first created in 1987 and is a designation that is a powerful symbol of a close relationship with the United States. While MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments to the designated country.

With Afghanistan’s status rescinded last year, the US has 17 major non-NATO allies, according to the US State Department. They are Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia.

Pakistan was named a MNNA during the Bush administration in 2004. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Congress to witness big fiscal fight on raising debt limits

Previous Story

Congress to witness big fiscal fight on raising debt limits

Next Story

PBD 2023 : India Assures Diaspora of Protection and Urges Participation in Growth Story

Latest from -Top News

WUC Intensifies Global Call for Uyghur Justice

WUC delegation undertook a week-long advocacy tour in Germany, where it met with Turkish NGOs and community leaders….reports Asian Lite News The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has published its monthly brief, strengthening

India Urges Bangladesh to Act on Minority Attacks

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged the Yunus government to probe extremist attacks on minorities….reports Asian Lite News India on Friday criticised recent comments by Bangladesh’s Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, asserting that

Jaffar Express Targeted Yet Again

blast happened at a distance of one kilometre from the Sultan Kot railway station….reports Asian Lite News At least seven injured as blast hits Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in Sindh’s Shikarpur district. Shikarpur

India to Join G20 Energy Talks in South Africa

The meeting is being hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency in the country’s KwaZulu Natal province…reports Asian Lite News Union Power Minister Manohar Lal will represent India at the G20 Energy Transitions
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US to end combat mission in Iraq in 2021, confirms Pentagon

Lloyd Austin condemned the recent attack on the residence of

In a gaffe, Bush slams ‘invasion of Iraq’

Bush, who served as the president of the US from