US-Pakistan partnership strengthens governance and democracy

Hammad Azhar speaks at a ceremony to celebrate the US-funded Citizen's Voice Project

ISLAMABAD: Accountability and transparency in the election process are critical for strengthening the democratic norms and political institutions of the country.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar while addressing a ceremony to celebrate the US-funded Citizen's Voice Project by the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The project has issued 364 grants to 227 civil society organizations, contributing to the institutional strengthening and development of civil society organisations throughout the country.

Azhar appreciated the role played by USAID in promoting education and political awareness amongst the masses regarding public participation in the election process for continuity of democracy in the country.

He added that the project has enabled citizens to become part of the solution to an accountable government and democracy in the country.

"The voices from these organizations can enrich dialogue and help ensure that the needs of local populations are taken into account in policymaking and development programmes," said Julie Koenen, USAID Pakistan’s mission director.

“This interplay can foster peacefulness in societies, build successful economies and improve how people experience their daily lives,” she said.

Since 2011, the project has worked to strengthen democracy in Pakistan through sustained investments in citizen engagement with public and elected institutions on transparent, responsive and accountable governance.

One of the major highlights of the project was its work on the ECP Women National Identity Cards (NIC) and Voter Registration Campaign for reducing the gender gap.  

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2019.