Pakistani Blogs

Never before has an "aid" package created such a furor! The Kerry-Lugar bill is an American proposal to "give" Pakistan $1.5 billion per year for 5 years provided Pakistan meets certain conditions. It has the Pakistani blogosphere buzzing with stories about the pros and cons of this proposed package.

We begin with All Things Pakistan where Adil Najam talks about the trust deficit between the US and Pakistan. Instead of tackling the specifics of the bill, Najam relates how the controversy surrounding it is a sign of a bigger problem - the suspicions the people of the two countries have for each other.

Dawn news correspondent Cyril Almeida writes about how media hype behind the bill is clouding people's judgement. His is a plea for a reality check. He wants Pakistanis to look at the facts of the bill instead of letting emotions get in the way. Almeida says the conditions in the bill are in Pakistan's own best interest. However, he also feels that the bill won't elevate Pakistan's status in the eyes of the Americans.

Over at rupee news Moin Ansari talks about how very little of the money will be used for the benefit of ordinary Pakistanis.

In another post on rupee news Dr. Ijaz Ahsan writes about how the conditions in the bill will be like a straitjacket for the PPP led government.

Onto Pak Spectator where Salman Mugsi writes about how shameful the whole concept of aid is. He feels accepting aid is tantamount to begging and the conditions attached to the Kerry-Lugar bill amount to unacceptable interference in the affairs of Pakistan.

Hamid Abbasi of Chowrangi has a similar opinion. He calls the Kerry-Lugar bill a beggar's dream. He also goes on to criticize the Pakistani ambassador to the US for not working in Pakistan's best interests.

Unsurprisingly Pakistani bloggers have some strong views on the Kerry-Lugar bill. Now its up to our rulers to decide what is best for Pakistan.