White House approves $300 million in aid for Pakistan

President George W. Bush has cleared the way for $299 million (Ђ250 million) in security aid for Pakistan, the White House said Wednesday.

Bush made the money available by waiving restrictions that Congress leveled against Pakistan after President Gen. Pervez Musharraf seized power in 1999 in a bloodless military coup.

Bush has repeatedly waived the restrictions.

The White House said the money will help U.S. efforts to prevent acts of international terrorism and encourage the transition to democracy in Pakistan.

Pakistan is a key Washington ally that supported the U.S.-led war that ousted the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Bush travels to Pakistan in March, reports AP.

O.Ch.