Congress passed an aid package for Pakistan last month, promising $7.5 billion to the government over the next five years. The package, which would help thh government meet citizens' needs in the struggling economy, has one requirement: the Pakistani army must be under greater civilian control, the New York Times reported Monday.
Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the head of the Pakistani army, said he is loyal to the fragile democracy and has no plans to overturn it.
However, many in the country view the aid package's requirement as micromanaging Pakistan's affairs. Many politicians fear the aid may increase tension between Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Kayani and strain the country's relationship with the U.S.
But Dr. Afroz Taj, UNC associate professor at the Asian Studies department, said he thought the aid would have beneficial results.
"I'm very positive. I think there's going to be change," he said of U.S.- Pakistani relations if the bill is implemented successfully.
Taj dismissed the concern of a military coup, saying Gen. Kayani does not have enough power to overturn the government.
Taj said he hopes the aid money will fund peacemaking efforts along the borders and improve education for civilians.
"They should use it for positive development, and they will, hopefully," he said. "Pakistan understands that America has made a huge point with why they are giving money. America has decided to help Pakistan so that South-Asia will live peacefully."
What You're Saying:
"Saying we're giving $7.5 billion to the civilians doesn't really say what we're going to do, or how we would enforce any way to give more civilian control over the military... I mean, you could easily see us giving their government a lot of money, and they'll change nothing." - Aidan Hyslujian, junior, philosophy, Durham
"It all depends. If it's a successful package, and it helps the Pakistani government and economy gain strength, and the military strength diminishes, then it'll be a good thing." - Andrew Ashley, junior, comparative literature and cultural studies, Owensboro, Ky.
"Our own economy isn't in great shape, so I don't know if we should be giving that much money to another country." - Maria Gontaruk, sophomore, french and journalism, Cary
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