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US Senator John Kerry arrived in Pakistan on Monday to discuss a proposed bill envisaging US$1.5 billion of economic assistance per year to Pakistan over the next five years. During his visit, Senator Kerry, who is also the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will touch on regional and security issues in meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, but the focus will be on future civilian and military aid.
If you could share a cup of tea with Senator Kerry during his stay in Islamabad, what would you ask him about the US’s plan for non-military assistance to Pakistan? How do you think non-military aid, which Pakistan is due to receive under the Kerry-Lugar bill, should be spent? What would you suggest Senator Kerry insist upon during meetings with the Pakistani leadership on how to distribute and allocate civilian aid?
on health, education and alternative energy sources especially solar energy. its disbursement should be monitored by a non governmental, apolitical panel of honest and educated professionals so it does not end up in someones personal investment account.
From what I read here, on the Dawn web site, about sharia law, kidnappings, floggings, burning girls schools and all the rest, I’m writing to my representative in Washington asking what we are doing giving you any kind of aid. You should really start looking internally for the root cause of your problems. Pakistan and India have basicly the same starting point, and where as India is moving toward a “world power”, Pakistan is moving toward the “stone age”.
Pakistan has great civic minds, the best any country could ask for like Ayaz Amir. Instead of thretening to silence people like them, empower them.
First spend the money on Education and ensure Madarasas education lead to useful employment
Second use the money to have strong land reforms and help rural poor agrarian communities
Third,spend the money on mother and child health programmes
Invest on cooperative live stock development and milk production
Advice is cheap. Here is some more:
1) Understand what are Pakistan’s problems:
Pakistan has been peddling on a fixed cycle since its inception. Movement if any has been in the reverse direction. So set up a UN approved watchdog commission (or a neutral one)to study why Pakistan is in this state? What mistakes were made and how these can be avoided in future. This is to ensure that any funds that come in should not go toward further propagating the problems as it has been so far. Funds can be a good thing if it helps the cycle move forward but a bad thing if not.
2) Prioritize goals: If it is understood that security is key to the success of any development plans, have a 2 year plan to beef it up to the point where it can be counted on to help execute the plans. Meanwhile keep planning as to how best to utilize the funds when security improves. Have a debate. Establish a transparent internet based system to track funds and responsibilities like India recently did.
3). Have the commission also recommend actions based on successful models from other countries that are relevant to Pakistan’s situation. (when Nehru was working on the five year plans which resulted in IITs, Pakistan was undergoing a power struggle between Army and people).
4). It is very important that people see democratic process as a credible path to the nations problems. Invest in PR to help people understand it. Together with investment in security, invest also in eradicating political corruption.
5). Reevaluate the value of agencies and Military’s political wings to the future success of Pakistan. Modify institutions based on neutral recommendations. From what I have seen the agencies’ actions are in direct opposition to the needs of Pakistan. Realign the goals of the agencies.
Education & Health comes as second priority. Law & Order comes as a first priority for Federal, provincial and Municipal spendings. Education of police constables and officers should be worked out. Police Performance and Quality Control programmes should be launched. Rewards and punishments for excellent and poor performance should be introduced. Citizens in each Thana should be secretly selected to comment on police performance. Police should be trained also for white color crimes. If police case is rejected by courts for lack of evidence, related police officers should be penalized for wasting public funds. Courts should be made efficient to provide quick and relaible justice. This Law and Order spending would activate economy and people would be forced to pay taxes thereby raising enough funds (Tax Revenue) in future for Educaiton and Govt. Employess efficiency improvement programs.
The money disbursement should not be via the govt. or political channels but through other trusted local organizations such as NGOs with mass local support.
Senator Kerry, Vice President Joe Biden and President Obama must understand not to trust the individuals with corrupt background. They don’t have limited choices rather they should concentrate on reaching out more to masses via more grass root organizations.
This can only guarantee the success of the program and stability of Pakistan.
A number of times we heard from our leaders that ” we need trade not aid” but always they end up with aid. It is really surprising that US and other friendly countries prefer to give aid only, they don’t facilitate Pakistan’s export and encourage investment within Pakistan.
Whether its from US or from any other country aid is a short term relief, in long term its a problem.
Its not a big deal to determine that how the non military aid from US should be spent. Everybody knows the basic problems of Pakistan. Its education, health care, law and order and job creation.
Last but not the least every rupee should be spent through a transparent process without any corruption.
Spend it on education, health, basic infrastructure like roads/power generation
Well the biggest problem right now is how to fight Terrorism.
1 – The Govt. needs to strengthen and properly train / equip its intelligence agencies and police.
2 – Lots n lots n lots of public awareness campaigns on all media (Gigantic Boards on road sides), showing the damage (which these so called Islamic revolutionists) have brought to humanity and the Islam itself. Even the illiterate masses would be able to judge them n start hating them (the terrorists) for their dismal acts.
3 – Millions n millions of Afghans (of whom many have acquired Pakistani National ID Cards) should be tracked and sent back to their country. Pakistan will need to have latest technology for that too.
4 – Develop something for youth that can occupy their minds instead of Extremism.
Sir,
My only request will be to ensure that the funds given are properly utilized after proper feasibility reports and that strict quality control is maintained.
Thanks
Just make food ration bags and distribute it to the poor.Nothing else ever reaches them anyway.
The aid proposal by USA is something not to rejoice .I think it is shameful that a country rich in natural resources, is still dependent on external support and that for a petty amount of $ 1.5 billion.
A country of 170 million people suerly needs much more than this to manage their business.The best way for improving situation in the country is for the people to pay taxes regularly and then to rejoice.
Take the case of India in the early days, they were also dependent on external aid and see them now where their tax authorities conducts raids on most influential people as well, as a result are self sufficient to a larger degree.
In any case, since the aid has already been agreed, i suggest that it should be spent on education and health services only rather than extending the area for investment.Additionally, as has already been commented, some mechanism must be arranged to keep away the politician and the officials to make it safer.
Like every country Pakistan is infested with Sharks who keep swallowing the development funds and ensure that no Money reaches the intended beneficiaries.
No development aid will be of any use unless the State decides to grow a backbone to fight the militants who want to dictate the agenda and are willing to use violence to achieve goals. The state must cut the ground from under the feet of the Taliban – every Talib who brings his gun and surrenders to the State will be offered a wage by the Pakistani Government. The government will retrain and reskill these mujahids to become contributing members of society. Those who still are against Pakistan will be crushed with an iron hand.
Psychology is such that people always gravitate to the winning side. The Taliban is drawing recruits because the state is not interested in offering citizens the right to life and livelihood.
The strategy is clear:-
1] An amnesty and job for all the militants who who lay down arms.
2] Massive investment in development infrastructure – Schools,colleges,hospitals,industrial zones.
3] An all out attack on the remaining Militants who want to continue tyranny.
4] Decentralisation of government – from centre to state to district to village.Raising and usage of funds fully decentralised with clear cut guidelines in place.
5] All Military and Intelligence personnel Brigadier and up posted for 1 year from HQ to the field with a mandate to destroy and disrupt all Terrorist networks – orders passed after approval from Parliament.All members of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies must spend 180 days in their constituency,otherwise their seats will be forfeited.
6] There is no distinction between good and bad Taliban. Anyone who carries a gun,terrorises people and challenges the state writ is BAD – period.
7] Build an Pakistani identity. Politics should not show any partiality based on religion,region,sect,sex or class of people.
8] Let the Supreme court set up a Judicial Commission to recommend reforms for improving efficiencies in the quality and speed of Justice.
9] Revalidate the 1973 Constitution and expunge amendments subsequently made which have destroyed Institutions and the rule of Law.
10] All Madarasas must be registered and follow a common curriculam across the country. They will be subject to special audit for source and use of Funds,whenever found necessary.
USA civilian aid should channel through a committee of honest ngo who are watchdog. and responsible far implementation of various projects,such as technical school ,clean water health care. modern education, training of police far honesty ,integrity, service to people. Education institute based on good foundation, research,and gear to need of pakistan. Money should be spend wisely, honestly, devoid of corruption on USA side as well on Pakistani side. Money should be transfer to escrow account and managed together, and every six month audited by independent committee, not appointed by donor or recipient. Develop pilot project at same time far future learning .
If we are to accept aid in the first place, (as I am simply against pakistan begging for any kind of aid, financial or otherwise as it will never come without strings attached) then the first sector to be given utmost attention is education, not just in big towns and cities but most importantly the country side, the far flung and unreachable areas of the province of Sarhad and Balauchistan. Then the other priorities should be employment and uplift of the regions that have been neglected since the independence, and then there is ofcourse justice. And then the list can just go on.
But why Americans have their priorities in the same order as the Pakistani establishment as a whole itself has never taken interest in these priorities?
It about time that we should either decline this aid or ask donors to adjust it against loan (debt) as write-offs.
It is obviously peanuts compared to what US is spending in Afghanistan and Iraq.
This dividend is nothing compared to what we have lost in this war against terror or resources.
The amount of US$1.5 billion of economic assistance per year to Pakistan over the next five years is just a peanut & not enough for the cost impact Pakistan is bearing on US led “War on Terror”.
The amount it receives, must be utilized in a way that its benefits should go down to the masses for basic civic amenities, education, mass transit system where applicable, basic health, independent judiciary accessible to all and above all for enforcing for rule of law in the country. Administrative heads (hiring of Jeeyalas & providing perk) should not be allowed under this assistance, otherwise all the assistance will go down the drain and as such all administrative expenses to be covered by GOP from its own resources. A committee must be formed in the assemblies with participation of all parties and all process should be open & transparent .A system to monitor proper utilization of the assistance must be developed prior to disbursement of the funds under this economic assistance. RTI law (Right to Information)must be enforced.
The most effective way to help the country is to establish the system of accountability through independent Judicial/Police system. The money is enough to spend on providing education to all by establishing proper schools and teachers nationalizing all Madrassas under govrnment control with acquiesence of religeous establishment and converting them into boarding schools.
Do not put money in black holes. Nothing works, whether infrastructure/dams/ energy whatever. The only countries survive who have justice/acountability among themselves and educate themselves to stay out of ignorance. Even if we are poor we will still prosper and progress as long as justice and accountability prevails.
So i would put all the money and resources in education and judicial system.
What at once comes in my mind is Education.
Our people are conciously made illetrate by the most political leaders,who in their minds are people who are the reason of their existence.Its just the mindset under which their whole life is spend and then telling their children to do the same and never be saying no to anything their disreputable heads say.We are argumenting because we all have been educated,we can talk about policies and strategies the rest of the population cant.Its a fact that approxamately half of the parliament is winning their seats from their circles for decades,i have no reservation if they will have these seats for even a century further but in return of the owed duties they promise loudly in public addresses.
Education is the seed of an aware,better and moving Pakistan.
This money if ever released by USA should be spent on those who have suffered the most in this war on terror. This should not become the income of those who had been spilling blood of pashtuns for getting dollars from USA.
Acknowledging the fact that $1.5 Billion/year is not a small amount IF spent properly without any dishonesty.
What we really need is some institution to make sure that not even a penny is wasted.
In my opinion the funds could be spent in the following order.
1. Energy Sector (Nuclear & Other Sources)
2. Education
3. Infrastructure
4. Development of NWFP & Baluchistan
What do u mean by non-military aid…Pakistan and rest of de world are partners in this war against terror aren’t we ?. We have already sacrificed lots of our people in this war remember the word “SACRIFICE” which means sacrificed for safety of WEST. There should be nothing as non-military….., help us out in this war or we are not fighting …we can do many other peace deals with militants to ensure our own safety but what abt u ?????? so if u want us to fight please finance us for it ….
Building hope.
Removing uncertainities.
Opening markets for free bilateral trade.
Be rest assured, there is no need of aid. All what is needed is Freedom.
Building a strong nation which can define the future of the world in this new century of Change.
A free Pakistan playing the pivotal role of building a cooperative world based on co-existance can define the strategic road map for the economic survival of the world.
Please let it happen.
I very much agree with Maqbool Rehman. Let the foreign agencies/country decide where to spend the fund (they are serious about getting the mass in Pakistan spending the funds for the education, the lack of which prompt a lot of people to choose the wrong path like Ajmal Kasab etc). If they have good education, where there is a population who can compete with the world mass, then the most of the unrest can be solved promptly. Like everybody on earth understand the common, educated man in pakistan dont want to have the Shariah law to be enforced in its soil, one can stand up against the bad elements like they did it for the restoration of the CJ. The act was acknowledged by the entire world. But one would have noticed that Minister Qurraishi’s comment that the US should not put forth any precondition for the monetary aid. What does that mean? Will he be in a position to explain it to atleast his own countrymen?