US aid under-utilised in tribal areas


Express April 15, 2010

WASHINGTON:

Officials said the US is spending far less than it wants on developing Pakistan's tribal areas, but is planning to ramp up its projects in the country.


They said Washington also hopes to rely more on Pakistani institutions to handle billions more in aid dollars pledged for the coming years.


USAID said only 150  of the 750 million dollars promised over five years for the development of the tribal areas have been utilised since 2007. Officials say security concerns in the tribal belt and bureaucratic hassles in Washington and Islamabad have hindered US aid efforts.

COMMENTS (1)

Sadia Hussain | 14 years ago | Reply It is disturbing to note that out of 750 million USD aid for FATA only 150 million USD have been utilized from 2007, the excuse of lack of institutional capacity is not acceptable as we can invest more in capacity development. This aid can revamp the structure of FATA and will be crucial in fighting militancy as the process of development will engage the locals in more constructive activities.
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