Press Release
3 July 2008
UK doubles aid to Pakistan in the battle against poverty
The fight against poverty in Pakistan is to be stepped up with a doubling of UK
assistance to £480 million by 2011, International Development Secretary Douglas
Alexander announced today.
On a visit to Islamabad, Mr Alexander published the UK’s new Country Plan,
outlining help for the Government of Pakistan over the five years to 2013. This
will make Pakistan the recipient of the UK’s second largest aid programme
worldwide by 2011. Read the
Country Assistance Plan
 (778kb)
UK assistance will continue to focus on health – including the battle against
diseases like TB and polio – and on good governance and earthquake
reconstruction.
But there will now be an additional emphasis on assistance to the border areas
as well as on education, with more than £250 million being made available to
bring 5 million children into school and to increase training opportunities for
young people.
Mr Alexander said: "The United Kingdom has long been a great friend of Pakistan.
Our two countries are united by a shared history and strong cultural and
economic ties.
"We have been committed to helping Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against
poverty for many years. Our aim is to continue to help improve poor people’s
lives in key areas, making sure they have access to better healthcare, schools
and employment opportunities."
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The announcement was welcomed by the Pakistan Minister for Finance, Syed
Naveed Qamar, who said: "We greatly acknowledge DFID’s strategy, which is marked
by a common approach of identifying short and medium term priorities to fight
poverty in Pakistan and help achieve the target of the Millennium Development
Goals.
"We also remember their timely and generous assistance of £128 million extended
for the relief and reconstruction of the October 2005 earthquake affected
areas."
As part of its commitment, the UK Government will provide £50 million to the
State Bank of Pakistan to support a new drive to open up financial services to
poor people – to encourage wealth and job creation by making available loans and
access to bank accounts.
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Notes to editors
1. DFID’s objectives in Pakistan are to work in partnership with the
Government of Pakistan, provincial Governments, the international community and
other donors to bring enduring and sustainable benefits to the poor.
2. DFID’s priorities are around giving people access to better health and
education, making government more effective and ensuring growth works for
everyone and that the international community delivers better together.
3. In November 2006, the UK and Pakistan signed a 10-year Development
Partnership Arrangement and the UK committed to doubling aid to Pakistan for the
period 2008-2011.
For further information contact DFID Press Office on +44 207 0230533. Back
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