Islamabad, June 25: Pakistan's opposition parties today dismissed as "dismal and disappointing" the three billion dollar package offered by US president George W Bush to president Pervez Musharraf, saying it was too little compared to the losses suffered by the country as a result of the war on terrorism. "The economic package announced during general Musharraf's visit to the United States is dismal and disappointing", senator Faratullah Babar, spokesman of Pakistan People's Party led by former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, said. "It is far too short of what could have been achieved given the losses incurred by Pakistan in economic, political and social sectors because of its support to the international community in the fight against terrorism", he said. The Islamist alliance, Muthahida Majlis Amal (MMA), demanded to know the "commitments" made by Musharraf in order to receive the package. Senior MMA leader Liaqat Baluch said people should be informed about the US demands accepted by Musharraf in return for the "dole".

He said the country was under a debt burden of USD 38 billion and the US grant would make no difference to the lives of ordinary Pakistanis.

Pakistan Muslim League (NAWAZ) acting president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi also termed the US package as "disappointing".

Pakistan had suffered a huge loss during the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and this package was only "peanuts", he said.

Bureau Report