A Pakistani paramilitary soldier secure an area as other troops move toward a forward base during a military operation against militants in Pakistan’s Khurram tribal region, Saturday, July 9, 2011. – AP Photo

White House Chief of Staff William Daley confirmed on Sunday a New York Times report that the Obama administration had held off a third of $2 billion in security aid in a show of displeasure over Pakistan’s cutback of US military trainers, limits on visa for US personnel and other bilateral irritants.

The United States provides about $300 million a year to reimburse Pakistan for deploying more than 100,000 troops along the Afghan border to combat militant groups, the the Times said.

Other funding covers training and military hardware.

It would be damaging to the relationship if Washington held back on these funds, said Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, retired major-general Mehmood Durrani said, reflecting a widespread view in Pakistan that it was fighting America’s war, and Washington must pay for it.

“This is something that they have to pay, and if they don’t then it’s breach of agreement and breach of trust.”

Read More:http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/11/less-us-military-aid-to-pakistan-harms-relations-not-army.html