World

Brussels donor conference: Ghani commends Pakistan’s $500m aid pledge

Also appreciates announcement of 3,000 scholarships for Afghan students

APP October 07, 2016

In this file photo, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani shakes hands with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Thursday underscored the need for continued engagement and support of international community for sustainable economic development and growth in Afghanistan.

Meeting Afghan President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, the adviser reiterated Pakistan’s earnest desire for lasting peace in Afghanistan which was important for stability and progress for both the countries.

World donors pledge $15 billion for Afghanistan

The Afghan president thanked Pakistan’s pledge of further $ 500 million economic assistance to Afghanistan at the Brussels Conference, which demonstrated Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the government and people of Afghanistan.

He suggested that the two governments should work together to identify the projects in consultation with the Afghan government according to its development priorities.

President Ghani also appreciated the announcement of a second tranche of 3,000 scholarships for Afghan students in Pakistan’s universities, which would greatly help in institution building in Afghanistan. The Afghan president and adviser also discussed efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Top NATO aide wants Kashmir dispute resolved

Emphasising that lasting peace and stability could be achieved through a politically negotiated settlement, Sartaj commended Afghan government and people for concluding a peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami. He expressed hope and optimism that this development could lead to opportunities for similar peace arrangements with other insurgents.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2016.

COMMENTS (12)

leela4fun | 8 years ago | Reply Ghani - Make sure the cheque clears the bank!

XoF | 8 years ago | Reply As natural..al this money will go in corrupt pockets!!! Afghan must make sure its proper use, rather than blaming Pakistan in future. Afghanistan is one of the top most corrupt country in the world. In such scenario is fear how this money will end up for benefit of common man.

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hayder | 8 years ago | Reply the money should be spent on Pakistani people millions of kids out of school no clean water

Laloo | 8 years ago | Reply We recently got 105 mill from IMF; we should now apply for the balance of 395 mill to promptly fulfill our promise to Afghanistan.

Ahmed | 8 years ago | Reply Poor diplomatic move if the promises are really intended to be fulfilled by the govt (too good as eye candies tho). There is no need to bribe Afghanistan for keeping its mouth shut against Pakistan. The same aid and scholarships could be offered in a different form to some other developing country with a healthy strategic significance in the region closeby to improve bilateral relations because the current Afghan govt. won't change its allegiance to India and will show the same recent hypocrisy that it portrayed during Uri aftermath if another occasion arises.

Vectra | 8 years ago | Reply So Pakistan’s pledge to give $ 500 million economic assistance to Afghanistan?? Fine good move but what about to repay the tremendous loans.Btw will more such economic assistance package will come in future or this is too much???

A | 8 years ago | Reply This is the worst kind of indifference to the Pakistani people and the tax payer. Who are we giving this $500 M to ? A government that is corrupt from top to bottom ?

Farooq khan | 8 years ago | Reply Pak Army should now disassociate itself from all religious Afghan parties and militant groups, and Afghanistan decide about their future. No religious party is capable of leading any nation to a pluralistic society. Pakistan Army should also take concrete, credible and and consistent actions proving that the org is not patronising any Pak based religious/militant groups. Associate with scholars, scientists, technologists, creative talents and accomplished Pakistanis here and abroad. Discourage shallow bearded personalities everywhere. Set your standards higher everyday and Pakistan can have a future and tomorrow we can live in peace and pride.

bashgul | 8 years ago | Reply This is just to bring the Afghan government to their senses, it is always the neighbour that comes to help in times of need. If they think that India is sincere in helping them, then let them tell their Indian ally to some some of the Afghan refugee from Pakistan.

bashgul | 8 years ago | Reply This is just to bring the Afghan government to their senses, it is always the neighbour that comes to help in times of need.

Sahiwal | 8 years ago | Reply This is in best interest of both brother Islamic states to work together towards peace and betterment of its people. Pakistan has taken a very positive step. However, this is not enough but can be taken as humble begging towards continued cooperation.

FAZ | 8 years ago | Reply I read the word "commend" as "condemned". Something naturally that comes to mind when Afghanistan talks about Pakistan these days.. :/

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