News
Monday, March 01, 2010
US lawmakers get details of $1.45 billion Pak aid plan
WASHINGTON: The Obama administration sent lawmakers this week a plan for $1.45 billion in aid for Pakistan this year, funding water, energy and other projects as well as a media campaign to counter extremist views.
The spending plan, obtained by Reuters, was sent to lawmakers late on Thursday as part of the US administration’s obligation to consult Congress over the civilian aid package.
The aid is aimed at expanding ties with Islamabad beyond military spending, which amounted to more than $10 billion over the past nine years.
“It represents a rebalancing of the military and civilian assistance”. Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew told Reuters of the package, part of a $7.5 billion, five-year aid plan passed by Congress last year.
Washington also wants to help Pakistan’s weak government meet budget shortfalls and deliver services to a population increasingly angry about economic and security troubles.
The 15-page spending plan said the Obama administration was working closely with Pakistan’s government to design “high-impact” projects in energy, agriculture, water and education and to improve services and economic opportunities for people in areas susceptible to extremism.
The “funding will help build the capacity of the government of Pakistan to provide basic services while extending its writ in poorer areas vulnerable to extremism,” said the report.
The biggest chunk of the money, about $ 1 billion, covers economic support, including funds to build up weak government capacity at both the local and national levels.
Infrastructure projects take up $55 million, with a focus on energy and helping to ease rolling blackouts that have crippled some industry and are a major public irritant. About $50 million was set aside for a “comprehensive communications strategy” to counter extremist views and strengthen Pakistani institutions and moderate voices, the report to Congress said.
“This effort will reduce the ability of al Qaeda and other terrorists to influence public perceptions and attitudes and support Pakistan’s people and government as they establish a more secure, prosperous and lasting state,” the report said. This would include a so-called rapid response team to monitor Pakistani and regional media and “swiftly correct inaccurate reporting,” of which the United States complains it is often a target. reuters
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk