Pak stops billing US for 'war on terror' expenses

Islamabad, Dec 20(ANI): Pakistan has stopped sending reimbursement claims to the United States for expenses incurred in its 'war on terror'

The decision is likely to place additional burden on the country's strained budget.

Pakistan used to claim between 100 million and 140 million dollars per month from the US as 'war on terror' expenses.

The Express Tribune reports that at least 600 million dollars may be pending as unclaimed amount over the past six months, if the activities are going on at the same pace.

The US had started rejecting 35- 40 percent of the claimed amount prior to the Abbottabad raid, which killed Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, officials said.

The US had disbursed 8.6 billion dollars to Pakistan against 12 billion dollar claims in December 2010, an official added.

The official further said the Pakistan Government would decide on whether to reflect the rejected amount as outstanding or write it off.

Pakistan has also raised the issue of mark-up costs, which is withheld by the US, they added.

The officials said Pakistan has added 800 million dollars in balance of payments calculations but the US has processed only half of this amount, which is waiting to get a go ahead from US Defence Deputy Secretary. (ANI)