Lord Bracknell
On fire
The government's account of UK aid to Pakistan is on the DFID website. No doubt a major part of the thinking is to do with trying to keep Pakistan on board as an ally, rather than an enemy. A good proportion of the spending is associated with flood relief work, as well.
DFID - Pakistan
Pakistan 2011 floods update
The recent flooding in Sindh, Southern Pakistan continues to be of concern. British officials are monitoring the situation and continue to work closely with the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations.
The UK prepared for the current 2011 monsoon by pre-positioning tents, blankets and other emergency items in 12 locations across Pakistan via the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).
New British support will also provide additional emergency shelter and blankets, as well as flood resistant homes to more than 255,000 people made homeless by this year’s devastating monsoon floods.
We have already provided emergency shelter for thousands of people via the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), and supported the World Health Organisation (WHO) to continue the Disease Early Warning system to try to avoid major outbreaks of health epidemics.
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Country overview
Building a stable, prosperous and democratic Pakistan will help not only the millions of Pakistani people who live in poverty, but also build a safer world.
Pakistan has had to deal with repeated crises, including the floods in 2010 and the current economic crisis. However, the one key issue that is critical to the country’s future is education – half the adult population, and two thirds of women, can’t read or write and more than a third of primary school aged children are not in school.
Top priorities
+ Building peace and stability across the region and making democracy stick by improving poor governance and strengthening democratic principles
+ Supporting economic stability, higher quality public spending and better growth which creates more economic opportunities
+ Helping the state to deliver better quality services to the people who need them most
If progress is made on reforms, as with other partners, the UK’s aid to Pakistan will average £350 million per year over four years. Increased aid to Pakistan will be linked to progress on reform as the Government of Pakistan takes steps to build a more dynamic economy, tackle corruption and bring stability.