WASHINGTON: The Defense Department effort to help Pakistan secure its border with Afghanistan and root out Taliban fighters is under funded by as much as 73 percent-- a budget shortfall so severe that it could slow down operations next month, according to a report released Monday.
The conclusion, included in an assessment by the Government Accountability Office, highlights the stark challenges facing the Obama administration as it tries to salvage the war effort.
The Defense Department's ``Security Development Program'' is aimed at training and equipping more than 10,000 Pakistani ``Frontier Corps'' fighters for counterinsurgency tasks and is considered a top priority among U.S. officials. The program received $62.5 million so far this budget year, which began Oct. 1. Defense official say $167.5 million more is needed before the next budget year begins in eight months, according to the GAO.
The conclusion, included in an assessment by the Government Accountability Office, highlights the stark challenges facing the Obama administration as it tries to salvage the war effort.
The Defense Department's ``Security Development Program'' is aimed at training and equipping more than 10,000 Pakistani ``Frontier Corps'' fighters for counterinsurgency tasks and is considered a top priority among U.S. officials. The program received $62.5 million so far this budget year, which began Oct. 1. Defense official say $167.5 million more is needed before the next budget year begins in eight months, according to the GAO.
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