Apropos a news item "Donors worried over political instability: ADB" carried by Business Recorder on Thursday, the following is Asian Development Bank rejoinder: We take strong exception to the complete misrepresentation of ADBs statement in the said report carried by Business Recorder. The statement attributed to ADB was in fact contrary to what was presented and discussed.
In the press conference at the launch of ADBs new Country Partnership Strategy for Pakistan 2009 -2013. "The press conference reiterated ADBs long-term, sustained and unwavering commitment to Pakistans development. This is manifested in the CPS document itself which commits ADB to provide $4.4 billion in tending assistance to the country during 2009-2011.
This was the main message of the press conference and was carried as such by the rest of mainstream electronic and print media. At no time in the press conference did we discuss the political situation in the country or expressed concern in this regard.
"ADB has a policy of not making any statement on behalf of other development institutions, and during this press briefing we did not at any point expressed views on behalf of the rest of the development community. This press conference was solely about ADBs new Country Partnership Strategy. "We find the coverage in the Business Recorder of the press conference misleading and regrettable at the same time. We would urge the editorial board of the newspaper to uphold the highest standards of reporting befitting the national stature of your esteemed newspaper."
WE STANDBY OUR STORY At the launch of Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Pakistan 2009-13 on Wednesday, Asian Development Bank Country Director Rune Stroem held a question-answer session in ADB office, where a local journalist asked whether the law and order and the current political situation were impacting on projects implementation.
Stroem responded that these factors are a source of concern for the donors. He did not specifically mention the IMF, the World Bank or other donors but the reporter took some license in identifying Pakistans major donors. Stroem added that there were security risks in Pakistan.
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