WASHINGTON: Congressman Andy Biggs, a far-right Republican from Arizona, has reintroduced a bill to remove Pakistan’s “Major Non-NATO Ally” (MNNA) status, which has been in place since 2004. The move is primarily focused on the Haqqani Network, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2012.
Although the bill targets the Haqqani Network, its practical effects might be limited due to the ongoing influence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, who serves as Afghanistan’s interim foreign minister. The U.S. continues diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan via the Doha process.
Biggs, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, presented this bill along with three others. The bill calls for revoking Pakistan’s MNNA status unless the U.S. president certifies that Pakistan is making substantial efforts to curb the Haqqani Network and its activities.
Pakistan gained MNNA status under President George W. Bush in 2004, which grants military training, defense cooperation, and financial aid. However, experts noted that similar bills introduced by Biggs in the past have failed to advance to a vote. Analysts also suggested that this initiative could inadvertently push Pakistan closer to China, counteracting U.S. aims.
Biggs, a member of the far-right Freedom Caucus, has pushed forward other controversial bills, including one to reject the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court and another to cut U.S. funding to the World Health Organization. He has also taken stances on issues such as opposing abortion rights and rejecting the scientific consensus on climate change.
