US extends $532 million assistance package to Pakistan

US ambassador also discussed the agenda for the January visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry

ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on Monday revealed that US Congress has notified a $532m assistance package for Pakistan.

Discussing the civilian assistance package under the Kerry Lugar Act with the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar at the ministry of finance on Monday, the US envoy said that the Congress notified the assistance package for assisting Pakistan in different sectors including energy, defense against terrorism, economic growth, community building, education and health.

The finance minister remarked that the government would spend a large amount of this assistance for the rehabilitation of the Internally displaced Persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan Agency.

The US envoy also congratulated Pakistan on the successful completion of fourth and fifth IMF review and the subsequent rise of the foreign exchange reserves to $15billion, which could provide government an opportunity to become a member of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and enjoy better financial packages.

During the meeting, the US ambassador also discussed the agenda for the expected visit of Secretary Kerry to Pakistan in January next year.

Dar raised the issue of speedy delivery of Boeing aircrafts for PIA with Olson.

The US ambassador expressed his grief and offered condolences over the terrorist attack on Peshawar school on December 16, in which 149 people including 133 children were killed.