News
Monday, September 27, 2010
US wants more aid recognition in Pakistan
* Aid groups reluctant to use American logos, fearing Taliban attacks
ISLAMABAD: Concerned that the US help to Pakistan is not getting enough recognition, Washington is making a new push to get international aid groups it funds to advertise the fact.
But it is meeting resistance from partners who are worried that US branding could prompt Taliban attacks.
The conflict highlights a major challenge for the US as it tries to win hearts and minds in Pakistan.
The issue has taken on new urgency in recent weeks, as the US has donated nearly $350 million to help cope with the devastating floods.
US officials have said they are only focused on saving lives, but US special envoy to Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, repeatedly expressed concern last week that the US wasn’t getting enough credit for its assistance.
“So much aid goes through NGOs and the international community ... that people may be less aware of the American aid than they ought to be,” Holbrooke said.
Fear: Many groups that turn US dollars into food, water and shelter, are reluctant to use American logos on items they distribute, because they fear “they might be targeted by terrorist groups”.
In March, militants attacked World Vision, a US-based Christian aid group helping survivors from the 2005 earthquake, killing six Pakistani employees.
World Vision said it is worried about using American logos anywhere in the country after the attack, even in less risky Punjab, where it is currently distributing thousands of US funded hygiene, shelter and cooking sets to flood victims.
USAID Pakistan director Robert Wilson said Washington was sensitive to security concerns but also must weigh the benefit that comes from average Pakistanis knowing that America is helping them.
Holbrooke and other senior officials have raised concerns that groups receiving US funding are not branding their assistance with the USAID logo as required.
Following Holbrooke’s recent visit, USAID sent a notice to its partners in Pakistan reminding them of the branding policy, said the agency. ap
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk