Pakistani military 'misspent up to 70% of American aid' (Guardian)

[Eugene]

Source: The Guardian

Pakistani military 'misspent up to 70% of American aid'

· US embassy staff believe expenses claims inflated
· Armed forces deny serious irregularities

Declan Walsh in Islamabad
The Guardian, Thursday February 28 2008

America's massive military aid package to Pakistan is
being scrutinised after allegations that as much as 70% of
$5.4bn in assistance to the country has been misspent.

Since 2002 the US has paid the operating costs of Pakistan's
military operations in the tribal belt along the Afghan border,
where Taliban and al-Qaida fighters are known to shelter.

Pakistan provides more than 100,000 troops and directs the
battles; the US foots the bill for food, fuel, ammunition and
maintenance. The cash payments - averaging $80m (£40m) a
month - have been a cornerstone of US support for Pakistan's
president, Pervez Musharraf.

-snip-

American officials processing the payments at the US embassy
in Islamabad have concluded that the Pakistani expense claims
have been vastly inflated, two western military officials have
told the Guardian. "My back of envelope guesstimate is that 30%
of the money they requested to be reimbursed was legitimate
costs they had expended," said one, speaking on condition of
anonymity.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/28/pakistan.usa