USAID has been rendered inoperative by the Trump Administration which seeks to merge it with the State Department. This decision heavily impacts developing countries that have been reliant on its humanitarian assistance, development programmes and other beneficial plans. Countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have been receiving assistance through foreign aid since 1961 and now millions of citizens will be forced to bear the brunt of its sudden closure.
USAID is not just an organisation, but a lifeline for refugees, poverty-stricken communities and nations rebuilding themselves after natural disasters and crises. An estimate suggests that almost 3.3 million people will be severely affected, including Afghan and Rohingya refugees residing in Pakistan and Bangladesh. On the whole, its devastating impact cannot be emphasised enough. I believe such decisions should take into account the plight of people whose livelihoods are at stake.
Zareef Ahmed
Tump, Turbat
