WASHINGTON, Nov 17: Pakistan is asking the international community to directly sponsor various projects in the quake-hit areas and supervise them to ensure that funds are used for the purpose they are given, says US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes.

“They assured us those funds will be closely audited and tracked,” said Ms Hughes, who was in Pakistan last week with chief executives of five major US companies.

In reply to various questions put to her at Ask The White House programme, Ms Hughes said that during their meetings in Pakistan, members of the delegation had asked Pakistani government officials: “How we could make sure the money we contribute is used efficiently”.

She said the Pakistani government was also planning a “sponsorship” programme where individuals, companies and communities could agree to sponsor the construction of a school or a hospital and supervise its construction.

She said the American people could be “very proud” of the work their military personnel and embassy and aid workers are doing in Pakistan.

Ms Hughes said the US was engaged in a humanitarian mission, providing help because the people of Pakistan needed it.