ISLAMABAD: Billions of dollars in US aid meant for the military’s fight against militants should be diverted to bolster the economy and help ordinary Pakistanis, says Pakistan’s army chief.
The announcement could be seen as a snub to the US and an attempt to bolster the military’s popularity following the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani reiterated that the army has ceased its training relationship with the US and has restricted the scope of intelligence sharing.
He also said American drone attacks are unacceptable and declined US calls for an operation in the militant-infested North Waziristan tribal area.
Kayani’s positions were outlined in an unusually detailed statement issued Thursday after a meeting with his top commanders.
