ISLAMABAD – Amid improving bilateral ties between Islamabad and Washington, the USAID program has been partially restored in Pakistan.
The US administration has resumed funding for two major projects – Merit Scholarship under the Pakistan University Student Program (Phase II) and the FATA Infrastructure Program – in a major development for Pakistani citizens.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the development to media, stating that the US is restructuring its foreign assistance programs in Pakistan.
“We continue to support life-saving initiatives and are making strategic investments that strengthen our partners and our own country,” the spokesperson said.
Previously, USAID provided direct funding to both government bodies (Government-to-Government or G2G) and NGOs operating in Pakistan.
Current discussions between the US Embassy and Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division are focused on broader restoration of USAID activities, with emphasis on ensuring transparency and oversight in the direct disbursement of funds to NGOs.
Pakistani officials welcomed the move, stating it would enhance monitoring and align aid programs with the country’s national development priorities.
The long-standing development partnership between the two countries is expected to gain renewed momentum with the resumption of these two initiatives.
