ISLAMABAD:
A week after announcing suspension of military assistance to Pakistan, the US has assured the government that civilian assistance and financing of mega projects in the energy sector will continue.
Finance minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh apprised Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday that US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides has assured him of “continuation of civilian assistance, willingness to undertake major projects in the energy sector including the Diamer Basha Dam and preparation of programme to reflect priorities set by the government of Pakistan.”
The finance minister also briefed the prime minister on the suspended Coalition Support Fund, part of the military assistance package Pakistan was receiving under the Kerry-Lugar bill, said the media office of the Prime Minister House.
Pakistan was due to receive $800 million in this regard which has now been put on halt. There were fears that suspension of US assistance could affect the bailout package Pakistan is receiving from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
However, while concrete assurances from the US for continuation of civilian assistance is likely to annul such fears, some analysts believe that the government would have to divert more civilian resources for the armed forces if the US does not review its decision on military aid.
‘Strategic convergence’
Islamabad has said that strategic convergence is emerging between Pakistan and the United States that will lead to a win-win situation for both sides.
In her weekly news briefing here on Saturday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Washington.
The US has reconfirmed that it will continue its civilian assistance while for resumption of military assistance and other issues, diplomatic engagements and discussions are under way, Janjua said.
(With additional input from wires)
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2011.
COMMENTS (11)
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I understand that the PM , is visiting my Home Nation, UK on a private visit !!!! now why would he do that??? Parhaps to set up his accomodation requirements for future!!! Once again we poor Taxpayers in Uk will have to bear the Costs of their Security Requirements as a norm as with Uncle Mush too !!!
@Nazir Habib: I can understand your point of view and can appreciate it too. However, why are you against "only" the civilian aid? If I were against the US aid, I would first oppose the non-productive military aid and then civilian aid. To fight terrorism and protect our borders we have over half a million strong army. For the fight against terrorism we have not hired any new forces, only moved them from one place to the other. Similarly we did not need to buy new high tech equipment to fight these rag tag groups of terrorists. In other words no additional overhead was needed, only the existing soldiers and equipment was used which otherwise would be getting obsolete. Why would Pakistani army and some others expect any other country to pay for protecting their borders and their citizens? Why do we have a huge army with all the expensive toys if they are only going to use them if the US pays them the money? Isn't it a classic definition of mercenary force? Pakistan army being the paid servant of Pakistan and it should help protect its citizens and territory under the civilian govt, which the constitution requires of them. Constitution never talks about being paid by any foreign power. Thanks and regards, Mirza
"There were fears that suspension of US assistance could affect the bailout package Pakistan is receiving from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)."
This is what I've been saying! When you take on the US, you are taking on most of the World Economy and its institutions. If Pakistan doesn't clean up its act, not only US will sanction Pakistan, but Pakistan will not get loans from WB or IMF or from any other major powers like Japan, EU,etc.
This may not happen in the recent future but after 2014 this is definitely on the cards.
Finance Minister should be ashamed of himself and his ministry on being so happy about continuity of US aid. Aid may be good, but what has he done in last 12 months to kick start a dead and sinking economy?. Nothing.
Finance Minister has been a second biggest let down for the country after the PM ( AZ does not come into this ranking: he is a league unto himself)
Finance minister is one of the main reason we are begging. These finance ministers come from IMF, World Banks and other banking cabals. They put us further into debt while we are taxed using inflation, taxes, energy price increase and intrest payments.
The real corrupt are the one who advise the governments.
Our military and politicians were worried to death that if we don't receive this freebee how could we survive. Now finance minister is conveying a sigh of relief and telling our military that this is second chance we got and don't be naughty with the 'giver' or else.
Mr. Hafeez Shaikh and PM Gillani!!! Are you not ashamed of yourselves in asking for continuance of civilian aid to Pakistan??? Is there no such word as 'honor' left in your vocabulary??? Or have you never heard of it???
What is legitimately due to our country for expenses incurred in the fight against the TTP can be demanded back from the USA. Other than that we do not have the right to ask for and look forward to receiving aid. You people talk of 'ghairat' where is it???
Pay taxes, collect taxes and expend them judiciously and you won't require aid. Pay back your loans with markup and the banks will have funds and capital capacity to go in for long term finance. Proper accountability and recovery of defalcated amounts and the institutions will have funds for their staff and development and expansion programs. Since this is not possible, it is better for both of you to retire in your countries, wherever, they are. As it is dual nationalities know where their leaning lies. My Salams.
Finance Minister conveys US aid assurance to PM Gilani
Is this front page news.
your next news item on the respective subject will read:
P M Gilani appraise about US aid assurance tp President Zardari..
US Aid for Civilian projects under Kerry - Lugar have always been available, however there are too many problems with issues relating to Accounting and transparency, which is actually causing delays or non receipt of the AID ! There are some very basic but Strict rules that have to be Adhered to, in order to unlock the funds, which Pakistanis are simply not capable of, hence delays on various projects !!!! Enjoy the Largesse of the US, as NO other Nation will give this level of Aid in the current economic Climate, and yet the Pakistanis Hate Americans !!!
Our rulers are beggars. A beggar minister conveyed good alms news to a beggar prime minister. This is the crux of this news report..
Suspect some of these statements are self serving in an attempt to keep what little foreign capital from fleeing Pakistan. Whether that anti USA brigade admits it or not -- without USA backing the Pakistan economy is nothing but a house of cards waiting to crumble.