Press Releases

USAID Provides Over US$ 22 Million For Governance In Pakistan In 2006

08/15/2006

Islamabad - The United States and Pakistan signed a $22.1 million agreement to support local governance, strengthen parliamentary institutions, and provide commodities and assistance to promote fair elections. The agreement will fund U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, which are implemented in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The bilateral agreement was signed by USAID/Pakistan Director Jonathan Addleton and Secretary, Economic Affairs Division Khalid Saeed. Mr. Addleton said that, "Whether through the support of an institute for legislative services in Parliament or by working with District governments, USAID’s governance programs are designed to increase communication between the government and citizenry and improve the ability of government institutions to serve the people."

USAID’s Districts that Work program will improve District governments’ ability to deliver high-quality public services efficiently, particularly health and education services. Additionally, the program will help district governments and members of the private sector create and implement local economic development plans. This year, Districts that Work will be launched in two districts each in Punjab and Sindh Provinces, and one district each in Baluchistan and North West Frontier Province.

Other USAID programs are designed to make national and state legislatures work more effectively. USAID is supporting the creation of the Pakistan Institute for Legislative Services, which will help all members of the national and provincial parliaments work more effectively by improving parliamentary research and support resources. USAID funding also assists parliament’s internship program, strengthens parliament’s committee system, encourages parliament’s increased involvement in the budget process, and helps parliament achieve its goal of improving public access to the legislative process.

USAID funding will also support a UN-organized, multi-donor initiative to strengthen the Election Commission of Pakistan and its ability to implement elections in 2007. Possible assistance includes provision of transparent ballot boxes, voter screens, and assistance in the computerization of voter rolls.

Overall, the United States, through USAID, is providing more than $1.5 billion in development assistance to Pakistan over the next five years to improve education, health, governance and economic growth. In addition, the United States has pledged a total of $510 million in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts to assist the people of Pakistan and to support Pakistani government relief and reconstruction efforts.

Source: http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/pakistan/h06081501.html