ISLAMABAD, July 16: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani asked Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Saturday to accelerate work on the government’s development agenda.

Mr Gilani gave the directive after Dr Hafeez informed him that during a telephonic conversation US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas R. Nides had assured him that civilian assistance to Pakistan would continue.

The US official called Dr Hafeez on July 14 and they discussed the importance of continuing cooperation on the US-Pakistan civilian assistance programme.

The deputy secretary reiterated the Obama administration’s commitment to working in partnership with Pakistan to boost economic growth.

The US government is reported to have disbursed about $2 billion in civilian assistance, including over $550 million in emergency humanitarian assistance in response to the 2010 floods. It has expressed willingness to undertake major projects in the energy sector, including Diamer-Bhasha dam.

The finance minister also briefed the prime minister on the status of the Coalition Support Fund through which the US reimburses to Pakistan the amount already spent on the war on terror.

Dr Hafeez’s talks with Deputy Secretary Nides also focused on the preparation of a programme that reflected priorities set by the Pakistan government.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the future plans for development.