Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Monday said that an estimated $1.9 billion are required for ongoing Operation Zarb e Azb for beefing up security and meeting expenses on return and rehabilitation of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs).
Talking to Acting Assistant to USAID Administrator of Afghanistan and Pakistan Larry Sampler, Dar appreciated US$ 250 million assistance for TDPs and reiterated that disbursement of funds. He said financing of projects should be carried out in consultation with the government.
At the outset, Sampler mentioned about his participation in the recently held Economic Cooperation Conference in Afghanistan and said the participants acknowledged the substantial contribution made by Pakistan at the event. He also lauded Pakistan’s contribution.
Sampler said the US government and people look forward to the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the United States.
Both sides hoped that important matters relating to bilateral economic cooperation would be discussed during the visit for further strengthening the overall Pak-US relations.
On this occasion, Sampler also renewed support for the Diamer Basha Dam project and highlighted commitment for investment in renewable energy projects. He added that US would continue to support Pakistan government’s initiative for improving governance in the power sector.
He said US would support small hydro and solar power projects, adding that the USAID planned to hold a Business Opportunities Conference to highlight the potential and opportunities in Pakistan in the renewable energy sector.
Sampler assured the finance minister of his country’s continued assistance in improving the financial markets in Pakistan. Dar said Pakistan greatly valued USAID’s assistance to Pakistan in various fields.
