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Gilani opposes aid disbursement through NGOs

* Third-party intervention would raise costs
* Obama taking special interest in fulfilling Pakistan’s defence needs: US official

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the US should channelize its financial assistance to Pakistan through the Pakistan government’s existing mechanism, since third-party disbursement through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or other agencies involves disproportionate administrative expenses.

Talking to US Deputy Secretary of State for Resources and Management Jacob J Lew and USAID acting administrator Alouso L Fulgham at Prime Minister’s House, he said that going through a third party raises expenses, sometimes by as much as 35 to 40 percent, reducing the amount of funds available for public welfare.

The PM suggested that Lew hold detailed meetings with the Ministry of Finance to work out a mutually agreeable process of disbursing the financial assistance. He pointed out that the Benazir Income Support Programme, Higher Education Commission and the existing basic education and healthcare systems in Pakistan should be considered for the US assistance in the sectors of poverty alleviation, education and healthcare.

Gilani also emphasised the importance of the energy sector, calling it his government’s top priority. He called on the US government to help Pakistan in specific energy projects by mobilising investment to fulfil the power sector’s requirements.

Congratulating the government on the successful operation in Swat and Malakand, the US official assured the PM of Washington’s full support.

Seperately, Dunya News quoted Jacob Lew as saying that President Obama was taking special interest in fulfilling Pakistan’s defence needs. He regretted that it had taken the US this long to establish a working relationship with Pakistan, adding that Obama was doing his best to provide Pakistan everything it needed to defend itself effectively. app/daily times monitor

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