EuropaWorld2 6/10/2001 Britain Boosts Aid to Pakistan

The UK has announced that it is stepping up its aid programme to Pakistan following the influx of refugees to that country in the aftermath of US-led attacks on installations in Afghanistan. The level aid will be sustained for at least two further years.

Announcing the package last week, British Development Secretary, Clare Short, said that a £15 million package was being provided to support the government of Pakistan in its continuing reforms and in its efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis which has been aggravated by the influx of Afghan refugees.

Mrs Short was in Pakistan last week where she held talks with President Musharraf and Finance Minister Aziz to discuss how the UK can support Pakistan in implementing its programmes of economic and social reforms, and in preparing for elections. She also discussed plans to cancel payments on £20 million debt that Pakistan owes to the Commonwealth Development Corporation, and to consider wiping off the debt entirely in due course. She confirmed that Britain would increase its bi-lateral programme to Pakistan to £45 million per year for the next two years.

"This increase in funding will continue so long as that effort is seen to be effective and to deliver benefits to poor people in Pakistan," she said.

These financial pledges come on top of £11 million the UK has provided since September 11 to ensure that poor Pakistanis do not suffer because of the increase in refugees, and an extra £40 million committed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

"The next few weeks are critical if we are to avoid a disaster" said Ms Short. "Millions of people are facing the prospect of famine. But there has been a great international effort to meet this challenge and the outlook is looking better. The WFP has stepped up its operations and plans to truck in 1700 tonnes a day which meets the target it set for providing enough food for Afghanistan to carry those in need through the winter."