Underscoring US commitment to an enduring and broad-based relationship with Pakistan, a senior administration official has said the United States would provide more than $1.5 billion in development assistance over next five years to help the key South Asian ally develop in the fields of education, health, governance and economic growth.
Including $750 million for programs in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher described US ties with Pakistan as "one of America's most vital relationships." He cited examples of multifarious and long-term ties and stated the "US has a continuing commitment to Pakistan's defence needs."
"The sale of F-16s to Pakistan late last year, a regular schedule of bilateral military exercises, and the recent delivery of Cobra helicopters demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to its strategic partnership with Pakistan," he stated on the occasion of 15th annual US-Pakistan Friendship Day.
Referring to expanding cooperation in the field of education he noted that in just four years, funding for the bilateral Fulbright program has grown from $1 million per year to over $20 million per year. More than 200 Pakistanis are currently studying for Masters and PhD's in the United States under this program, making it the largest Fulbright program in the world in terms of U.S. government funding.
In the field of basic education, he said over the past five years, the US government has spent over $200 million in support of the government of Pakistan's education reform strategy by working with it to strengthen education policy and planning at the federal, provincial and district levels; improve the skills and performance of teachers and administrators; increase youth and adult literacy; expand public-private partnerships; and provide school improvement grants and involve parents and communities in public schools.
In addition, the United States is also helping Pakistan in its recovery efforts in areas hit by a staggering earthquake in October 2005. He said the US has pledged $206 million for earthquake reconstruction over the next four years. Last winter the US assistance helped Pakistani ensure that those living in earthquake areas had adequate shelter and clothing, he added.
"We say often that Pakistan is a key ally in the war on terror, and that is true. More than that, however, the United States and Pakistan have developed a strong, multi-dimensional, strategic partnership. Our commitment to the Pakistani people is illustrated by our comprehensive development programs in health, education, and economic development," he observed at a gathering organised by Pakistani American Congress. Boucher also cited new facets in US-Pakistan relationship including discussions of education initiatives and a high-level Joint Committee on Science and Technology.
"We are also concluding consultations with Congress on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones and hope that legislation will be voted on in the coming months.
With US support we will be providing $150 million this year in development assistance to Pakistan to support its Sustainable Development Plan for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, where Pakistan is implementing a strategy to strengthen governance, promote economic development and improve security."
He said Pakistan's strategy has two goals: making Pakistan and the region more stable, open and prosperous; and reducing extremism and thereby eliminating the Taliban and al Qaeda presence in areas bordering Afghanistan.
"The United States shares those goals and is working closely with Pakistan to make them a reality, including working to find additional resources to support efforts to strengthen the Frontier Corps."
The US Assistant Secretary acknowledged President Musharraf's reform efforts in the last several years. "We applaud President Musharraf's efforts to build a modern, democratic, and prosperous nation. The passage of the Women's Protection Bill in November 2006 was an important indicator of President Musharraf's commitment to that goal."
Boucher also noted that Pakistan has made significant progress under the Pakistani leader toward a fully free media and said media organisations have flourished. "We believe it is critical for Pakistan's democratic development, its domestic stability, and its international reputation that this progress continues."