A range of targeted programmes are being supported to improve livelihoods and employment opportunities for the poor, to ensure the benefits of recent high economic growth reach all groups in Pakistan, said fact sheet of Department for International Development (DFID).
The DFID 's microfinance programme with the NGO Kashf has, for example, increased incomes of borrowers (who are mainly women) by up to 51 per cent.
DFID updated fact sheet about Pakistan disclosed that a proposed £50m Financial Inclusion Programme aims to increase the number of borrowers from 1m to 3m over 5 years, levering support from commercial banks and the private sector.
Another proposed programme of £30m will help the government of Punjab to design and implement new livelihoods and employment opportunities for people in its poorest districts. About 9 million people are likely to benefit from this programme.
DFID has an aid framework of £236m for Pakistan over the current three-year period.
In line with commitments to improve the effectiveness of aid, DFID has been at the forefront of efforts to harmonise donors' programmes and policies.
In 2004, DFID co-founded the Donor-Poverty Reduction Working Group, formed to share information, promote joined-up engagement with government, and develop common positions.
The results of the first OECD-DAC survey in Pakistan to monitor progress against the Paris Declaration are due to be published soon. DFID report mentioned that Pakistan has undertaken major reforms in governance since 1999, including a decentralisation of functions, power and funds to local governments, a major reform of the justice sector, reforms to the police system and improvements to the revenue collection and administration functions. The gains made through such reforms are substantial, yet Pakistan continues to face serious challenges in its ability to provide citizens with fair, equitable and effective access to their rights.
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