US Requests $101 Million in Aid for Pakistan to Support Democracy and Human Rights

Washington, D.C. – The Biden administration has requested $101 million in aid for Pakistan to bolster democracy and human rights, according to Donald Lu, the US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia. Lu made this announcement on Tuesday during a committee hearing of the American House of Representatives, which was convened to discuss the United States budget for South Asia.

The proposed funds aim to combat terrorism, support economic reforms, and provide debt relief to Pakistan, a country facing severe economic challenges. The assistance is intended to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy, which remains fragile despite the government’s recent efforts, including a 37-month International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

The IMF program follows a previous short-term, $3 billion arrangement that helped Pakistan avoid a sovereign debt default and stabilize its economy. This new agreement sets stringent revenue targets in the country’s budget, which were crucial in securing IMF approval.

Donald Lu’s role has been contentious in Pakistan, as Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accused him of being involved in the alleged toppling of his government in 2022. Despite this, Lu emphasized the importance of the aid package in supporting Pakistan’s economic stability and democratic governance.