PESHAWAR – Reaffirming the United States’ determination to assist Pakistan in maintaining stability and economic prosperity, US diplomat Robin Raphel on Tuesday said these goals could be achieved by improving sociopolitical situation in Federally Administrative Tribal Areas (FATA).
She was speaking here at a ceremony here which was held in connection with partnership between USAID and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to provide agricultural assistance to farmers in flood affected areas. The the Agriculture Recovery Program is a joint effort by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the United State Agency for international development (USAID), and is being implemented by the U N Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Raphel said, “We have more focus on FATA’s development and improving lives of its people as it is a must for stability of Pakistan. The US will assist the Agriculture Recovery Program with 62 million US dollars, which included US$ 21 million exclusively for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province”. KP Minister Arbab Mohammad Ayub Jan, US Consul General in Peshawar Constance Arvis, USAID Regional Director Ed Birgells, FAO Country Director Luigi Damiani and FAO National Emergency Coordinator Dr. Jehangir Khan were also present on the occasion.
Raphel reminded that under the Kerry Lugar Bill, Pakistan is getting US$ 7.5 billion and since October 2009 last, the US has provided US$ 870 million assistance for various sectors. Expressing satisfaction over the USAID’s contribution in the agriculture sector, diplomat Robin Raphel said, “Over 1.3 million rural farming people have been provided food security as a result of this crucial program and it means that more than 4 million would get the essential food security.”
Earlier, on behalf of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Agriculture Minister Arbab Ayub Jan thanked the USAID for its assistance. He appreciated the US role in the rescue, relief and in rehabilitation in the flood hit areas. He urged the US cooperation in construction of water reservoirs and overhauling the irrigation system on equity basis. Mr Saif Ul Islam Saifi, the newly-elected President of Peshawar Press Club also spoke on the occasion.
Carrot and Stick Policy , USAID is the updated version of that policy while looking in to the current incidents.
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