US helping Pakistan to make it stronger: US Envoy

ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter Tuesday said his country has been providing help and assistance to Pakistan to make it a strong with improved basic needs of life available to the people living in different parts of the country.

He was addressing a function here at National Library to commemorate completion of renovation work of schools in FATA and Malakand areas which were damaged by the terrorists and extremists.

Referring to the repair of schools in FATA and Malakand under USAID assistance, he said, "It is our effort to improve education system in Pakistan especially in under developed areas of Khyber Pakhtoomkhawa."

The ambassador said, "It is common task for Pakistan and US to secure the future of children through imparting them education."

He said, "We want that Pakistani children be stronger and stronger and providing them maximum facilities especially educational facilities at their door steps."

The ambassador said a strong and stable Pakistan is in the interest of America therefore, USAID and other organizations are working in Pakistan to improve the infrastructure.

He said more than 700 schools in FATA and Malakand have been repaired and equipped with books, furniture and other basic needs at the schools with training to the teachers.

The project started three years ago and continued despite many hardships especially the security issue in the areas where military started its operation against the militants and extremists.

He also appreciated the leadership of KPK for taking strong and difficult decisions to fight the militants and reviving the educational system especially for the girl students.

The ambassador said, with cooperation and joint efforts, "we can fulfil our dreams" for a better, prosperous and progress Pakistan.

Education Minister of KPK Sardar Hussain Babak speaking on the occasion said the USAID provided valuable support in repairing the educational institutions and reviving the educational facilities.

The Minister said some people are involved in propaganda that American are not friends of Pakistan, which is wrong adding that the real enemies of Pakistan are those who destroyed these educational institutions, threatening to the peace and security of the country.

Appreciating the contribution of USAID and other international donor agencies, the Minister said, there is need to promote education system. He said educated people could be in a better position to identify their enemies.

The Minister said KPK people sacrificed their lives for the security and prosperity of the province and assured that they will continue to give sacrifices in future for the national interest.

USAID Pakistan Chief Dr. Andrew Sisson and other officials also attended the function.

The Ambassador also interacted with some of the students who especially visited Islamabad from FATA and Malakand schools to attend the ceremony.

On a question 'why the US is helping them?' asked by one of the students, the US ambassador said, "We want to make you strong, so that you can make a strong Pakistan as a strong Pakistan is in our interest."

The ambassador also asked questions from the students about their hobbies and interests besides the education and had a very friendly conversation with them.

The school students from FATA and Malakand were very comfortable with US ambassador and asked questions in English.

The ambassador was satisfied that with the USAID assistance to these schools, the students are confident and now feeling proud to discuss any thing with foreigners.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011