Obama pushes to fund Pakistan army - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Obama pushes to fund Pakistan army

WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s army could soon receive U.S. funding to battle insurgents and terrorists along its western border.

The Obama administration said Wednesday that Pakistan is unable to eliminate threats in Taliban and al-Qaida safe havens near the Afghanistan border.

Top Pentagon and State Department officials told a House panel that Pakistan’s army would get part of a proposed $400 million fund to use for training and equipment to fight insurgents.

The U.S. already is aiding Pakistan special forces and frontier militias.

Several Democrats voiced concern about funding the Pakistani army when it has long been focused on India instead of insurgents.