USAID Provides $38 Million to Support Good Governance and Poverty Reduction Initiatives

The United States Government and the Government of Pakistan signed a three-year, $38 million grant to support the Government of Pakistan’s governance initiatives outlined in the Pakistan Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). USAID/Pakistan Director Mark S. Ward, and Secretary, Economic Affairs Division Dr. Waqar Masood Khan signed the Agreement on behalf of the two governments, witnessed by U.S. Ambassador Nancy J. Powell. 

The recent signing of bilateral agreements for health and economic growth, along with today’s Governance Agreement, emphasize the U.S. commitment to Pakistan’s prosperity and stability, which is a critical component of U.S. foreign policy goals in the region. The U.S. also signed an agreement with the Government of Pakistan on education reform last year. 

The Agreement underscores the Government of Pakistan’s recognition of the links between good governance and poverty reduction. It also signals both Governments’ desire to work together to improve good governance, especially at the local level, which will improve delivery of social services to the poor of this country. 

The new grant will support the Government of Pakistan’s devolution initiative by helping local communities fund creative new projects by working with their local District Government. This initiative also encourages private-sector participation to improve social services. USAID’s program will also strengthen civil society’s voice in the development process, will help to build a more open, diverse, and socially responsible broadcast media, and will increase accountability and transparency. The new funds should also help to strengthen the legislative effectiveness of the National Assembly, Senate, four Provincial Assemblies and their Secretariats.