Bilawal Bhutto’s Accusations of Misused Flood Aid Draw Attention from U.S. State Department
The United States has taken note of allegations made by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who accused the Shehbaz Sharif-led government of misappropriating $400 million intended for flood victims. Bhutto claimed that he secured the funds—comprising loans and aid from the World Bank—for flood relief, but the federal government allegedly redirected the money for its own purposes.
According to Bhutto, the funds, which were originally meant to assist flood victims, have been withheld by the government. He stated that instead of delivering the promised amount, the federal government is offering rupees, ostensibly for use in various projects. Bhutto criticized the government for failing to construct even a single house for flood victims, emphasizing that the funds should be allocated to those in need.
Addressing the issue, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern, emphasizing that the U.S. takes allegations of mismanaged humanitarian aid seriously. “We take this matter very seriously, not just in Pakistan but also wherever American taxpayer dollars are used and where urgent humanitarian interests are at stake,” Miller said during a press briefing.
Miller also underscored that both the U.S. State Department and USAID have stringent monitoring and evaluation systems in place to ensure that aid is properly directed. He added that assistance is halted if evidence of misappropriation or misuse arises.
