Obama signs Kerry-Lugar bill into law

WASHINGTON, US : President Barack Obama singed the Kerry-Lugar bill aimed at providing USD seven-and-half billion aid to Pakistan into law.

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 – popular as Kerry-Lugar Bill – signed by the US President before the expiry of the mandatory 10 days time after it being sent to him, White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters during his daily press briefing.

Gibbs said that by signing the bill Obama “wants to help the people of Pakistan and the democratic government of the country.”

Under the new law, Pakistan will receive $1.5 billion per annum for next five years in terms of civilian aid from the US.

The US Congress yesterday issued an “explanatory statement” in an effort to placate the concerns of Pakistan on the aid bill which says that the legislation does not seek in any way to compromise Islamabad’s sovereignty and impinge on its security interests.