The Donald Trump administration has lifted the freeze on $397 million in funding for a U.S.-backed program in Pakistan, aimed at ensuring that American-made F-16 fighter jets are used exclusively for counterterrorism operations and not against India.
The decision, detailed in a list of exemptions reviewed and reported by Reuters, is part of a broader release of $5.3 billion in previously halted foreign aid, mostly allocated to security and counternarcotics programs.
Concerns over Pakistan’s use of F-16s surfaced in 2019 after an aerial confrontation over Kashmir, where Islamabad was accused of deploying the jets in violation of agreements restricting their use to counterterrorism efforts. This raised alarms in Washington, prompting scrutiny over compliance with U.S. military aid conditions.
The funding reinstatement follows a directive from President Trump, who had ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign aid after taking office on January 20. This halt affected numerous programs, ranging from humanitarian aid to military assistance. The freeze led to a scramble among U.S. officials and aid organizations seeking exemptions to keep critical programs operational.
A review of the approved exemptions, totaling $5.3 billion as of February 13, shows that the majority—over $4.1 billion—was allocated to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, responsible for overseeing arms sales and military assistance. Other approvals aligned with Trump’s national security priorities, including immigration controls and efforts to curb narcotics trafficking.
Despite the waivers, humanitarian organizations and former U.S. officials have noted that very few exemptions have been granted for life-saving aid programs. The administration’s approach reflects a shift in foreign assistance, prioritizing military and security concerns over broader humanitarian efforts.
