US Congress notifies $532 million assistance package for Pakistan

Published December 29, 2014
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson meeting Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. -APP Photo
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson meeting Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. -APP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The United States Congress has notified a $532 million civilian assistance package for Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar Act, said US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G Olson during a meeting with Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar.

An official statement issued here on Monday said that Olson discussed with the minister the breakup of assistance being given for different sectors such as energy, defence against terrorism, economic growth, community building, education and health.

The finance minister remarked that the government should spend a large amount of this assistance for the rehabilitation of the temporary displaced persons (TDPs) of North Waziristan Agency.

The act was passed in the year 2009 by the US Congress to authorise appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to promote an enhanced strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, and for other purposes.

Olson also discussed the agenda for the expected visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to Pakistan in January 2015.

Dar discussed with the ambassador the speedy delivery of Boeing aircraft which PIA has sought to acquire to upgrade its fleet, which he said was on the priority list of the govt.

The minister told the ambassador that they are preparing for giving a briefing to the donors about the rehabilitation work being carried out for the TDPs of North Waziristan and the flood affected communities.

Opinion

Editorial

Upholding rights
27 Jul, 2024

Upholding rights

EVEN a perceived threat to civil rights and freedom of expression undermines democracy; it impedes the enforcement ...
Brutal crime
27 Jul, 2024

Brutal crime

THE horrific incident of a woman allegedly gang-raped in front of her husband and three-year-old daughter near...
Back in parliament
27 Jul, 2024

Back in parliament

MORE than two years after MNAs loyal to former prime minister Imran Khan fatefully resigned from the legislature...
Judicial constraints
Updated 26 Jul, 2024

Judicial constraints

The fact that it is being prescribed by the legislature will be questioned, given the political context.
Macabre spectacle
26 Jul, 2024

Macabre spectacle

Israel knows that regardless of the party that wins the presidency, America’s ‘ironclad’ support for its genocidal endeavours will continue.