State Dept.: U.S. Could Lift Aid Suspension If Pakistan Takes Steps

The United States could consider ending a suspension of security assistance to Pakistan, if Pakistan takes “decisive and sustained” actions against terror groups in the country, the State Department’s No. 2 official said on Tuesday.

“We may consider lifting the suspension when we see decisive and sustained actions to address our concerns, including targeting all terrorist groups operating within its territory, without distinction,” Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The U.S. government last month said it was suspending at least $900 million in security assistance to Pakistan until it takes action against the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network terror groups.