New Delhi:
India formally asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to defer issuing financial aid and project financing to Pakistan. This step is being initiated as diplomatic relations between the two countries keep growing, with major issues centered on cross-border terrorism and regions of dispute.
It is reported via government sources that India complained to ADB authorities that foreign money is being spent by Pakistan on activities which are against the region's stability and peace. India believes that the assistance Pakistan is being given is not being used in the right way and can be funding wrongdoings indirectly.
India referred to recent events, including assisting terrorist organizations and instability in the region, as key reasons supporting its demand. Officials said persistent funding to Pakistan could be causing a wrong perception and dilute the cause of international development aid.
Asian Development Bank provides development project lending and grants for energy, education, and infrastructure. Pakistan is a large beneficiary from it. Member nation India now asked the bank to reconsider all the funding for Pakistan and also examine the larger context of peace and development.
So far, neither the ADB nor the government of Pakistan has made any comment. But the Indian move is seen as one of its efforts to exert extra diplomatic pressure on Pakistan through international means.
Experts believe that this may lead to heated debates in the ADB and may have an impact on funding decisions in the future in Pakistan.
More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
