US provides $8m for relief for IDPs via WFP: US envoy

International investors conference on Diamer-Bhasha dam to be held in October in US. CSF funds on track.


Web Desk July 09, 2014

ISLAMABAD : A sum of $8 million has been provided to the World Food Programme (WFP) for milling of wheat provided to the internally displaced people (IDPs) of North Waziristan by the government of Pakistan, the US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson told the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday.

He said that the US is working with the United Nations (UN) to provide relief to the IDPs – an act the finance minister appreciated and hoped that the international community would come forward to provide relief for the IDPs.

Bilateral economic issues and cooperation were discussed in the meeting which was also attended by Finance Secretary Dr Waqar Masood, Special Assistance to Finance Minister Shahid Mahmood and senior officials of the Ministry.

In regard to hydropower generation, Dar was informed that an international investor’s conference will be held in Washington DC based on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam in October of this year. The conference will be co-hosted by the government of Pakistan and USAID.

The ambassador said that the Kurram Tangi Hydro Power Project will benefit the residents of FATA, and it is considered an important project. He also said that the government of Italy and the Islamic Development Bank are interested in financing the project.

Dar said that one of the highest priorities of the current government is that of energy, adding that the government is working on a fast track to reduce its dependence on imported and expensive sources, as well as utilising indigenous resources.

The finance minister was assured that the US would continue to maintain partnership with Pakistan, and will continue to work for stability in the country, adding that the US is looking forward to enhancing existing relations of both countries in all areas of mutual interest.

The US ambassador also told Dar that reimbursements on account of the Coalition Support Fund to Pakistan are on track.

COMMENTS (1)

sterry | 9 years ago | Reply

Considering that the militants are the same ones who first came to fight the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, this is hardly enough support. Pakistan has lost billions from the terror and instability caused by foreign militants in the region who were supported and told to come by the US to defeat the Soviets in Afghanistan. They were left behind after Pakistan helped defeat Soviets but no one has helped Pakistan to rebuild the region at all.

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