Washington, July 30, 2008: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman has welcomed the approval of the Biden Lugar Bill by the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee. The Bill that would be presented in the House commits a development assistance of 15 billion dollars to Pakistan over the next decade. The approval comes while the Prime Minister and his team of federal ministers are on an official visit to Washington D.C.

Describing the unanimous approval of the proposed legislation by the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee, a huge success for Pakistan’s new democratic set up, Ms Rehman said that the Bill reflects deep commitment of the US government to support the agenda of development in Pakistan. “The 15 billion dollar assistance committed by the Bill would go a long way in aiding the new democratic government to build solid foundations for the social and economic development of the country. The people-centric focus of the Bill is a success for the people of Pakistan. It is a clear indication that the US government wants to work directly with our people and respects their February 18 mandate for a democratic order”.

The Federal Information Minister applauded Senators Biden, Lugar, Kerry and Hagel for leading the efforts to expand the scope of US-Pakistan relations. “The Pakistan-US relations have long been seen in the backdrop of the ongoing war on terror. The PPP government believes that the bilateral relations between the two countries must be based on mutual interest and shared values, and the Biden Lugar legislation endorses our stand. This Bill would go a long way in highlighting the positive aspects of the ties between the two countries”.