Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 29, 2008
United States-Pakistan Strategic DialogueThe United States is committed to a long-term, broad-based partnership with the government and the people of Pakistan. This partnership is based on the shared interests of the two countries in promoting democracy, peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Pakistan and in South Asia.
Since 2002 the United States has provided more than $3.4 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction. The United States has also provided more than $2.4 billion in security assistance since 2002 to help Pakistan combat terrorism along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and to support Pakistan’s conventional defense and modernization needs. Total U.S. development and security assistance to Pakistan in Fiscal Year 2008 is more than $960 million.
HIGHLIGHTS OF U.S. ASSISTANCE TO PAKISTAN
Education
- More than 600,000 children and 60,000 teachers are benefiting from U.S. assistance to Pakistan’s education sector.
- Since 2006, trained more than 3,700 teachers and supervisors in interactive teaching and learning skills. More than 2,400 classrooms at 327 primary, middle and high schools, as well as model colleges, have been equipped with new learning materials.
- Improved sanitation facilities and the quality of drinking water at 176 girls’ primary schools and 89 villages in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Provided training in sanitation to religious scholars, elected representatives, and community members benefiting 60,000 households or 420,000 people.
- Supported the bilateral Fulbright Program, which provides an opportunity for more than 350 Pakistani students each year (new and continuing) to pursue MA or PhD degrees in the United States. The Fulbright Commission in Pakistan receives the largest amount of U.S. government funding of any Fulbright Program worldwide.
Health
- Renovated and equipped 40 hospital and rural centers, more than 30 of which now provide round-the-clock care.
- Through almost 1,200 child health days, provided medical care, vaccinations, and nutritional support to more than 135,000 children, including in the FATA.
- Trained more than 1,400 public sector doctors and 600 private clinic doctors in handling obstetric emergencies, and more than 1,800 traditional birth attendants to conduct clean deliveries and to recognize emergencies that require hospital referral.
- Supporting the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, which provides reliable figures on the direct and indirect causes of maternal and child deaths, family planning, and other vital health issues.
Economic Growth
- Providing micro-credit loans to populations in Balochistan, Sindh, and the FATA. More than 350,000 loans totaling more than $63 million have been disbursed.
- Increased the competitiveness of Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors such as gems and jewelry, dairy, marble and granite, horticulture, furniture, and surgical instruments, which in turn helps to create more and better jobs.
- Provided $200 million in Economic Support Funds to the Government of Pakistan each year in Fiscal Years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The funds provided vital budgetary support for Pakistan’s health, education, clean drinking water and earthquake reconstruction initiatives.
- Since 2006, provided more than $200 million in food security assistance.
Democracy and Governance
- Since 2006, provided approximately $155 million in support of democracy in Pakistan, of which more than $29 million has gone to direct support for Pakistan’s election and political processes. For Pakistan’s February 2008 elections, the U.S. supported the Election Commission of Pakistan, provided translucent ballot boxes and seals, ensured a computerized voter registration list, funded 38 observers through Democracy International, provided support for the deployment of 20,000 observers to cover more than 40,000 polling stations, and contributed funding to a United Nations Development Program activity that trained 60,000 polling station staff and other election officials.
- Trained more than 1,100 members of local governments, including 225 women, in budget oversight, leadership skills, and participatory planning.
- Trained hundreds of national and provincial parliaments on rules of procedure, the committee system, legislative drafting, and budget review.
Earthquake Relief
- Gave commodities to 370,000 people affected by the earthquake.
- Provided emergency medical treatment to 35,000 people.
- Supplied safe drinking water to 57,000 people.
- Gave emergency shelter materials to 596,000 people.
2008/815
Released on September 29, 2008
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