(RTTNews) - Thursday, the United States and Pakistan signed agreements that will provide Islamabad with USD 899 million in assistance for healthcare, education, governance and reconstruction of areas affected by the 2005 earthquake, reports say.
A statement issued by the U.S. embassy in Islamabad said that the agreements for cooperation in these fields would bring the total obligations to Pakistan through USAID this year to 920 million dollars. It said a "substantial amount" of the funds would be provided to the government and local NGOs to implement programs in these areas.
The pacts include direct budgetary support of USD 174 million for 'Benazir Income Support Program' for women, an income support scheme for persons displaced by the recent Pakistani military operations against Taliban, and aid to technical and vocational education activities under the Higher Education Commission.
The agreements would also see the U.S. increasing resources to sectors that foster economic growth, including the energy sector.
Deputy Chief of Mission, Gerald Feierstein, said these agreements demonstrate the U.S.' enduring commitment to help Pakistan enhance the lives of its citizens through improved delivery of services.
The agreements came just days after the U.S. Congress approved a newly-negotiated version of the Kerry-Lugar Pakistan aid bill that would triple the non-military aid to Pakistan to USD 7.5 billion in the next five years. The bill now awaits President Barack Obama's signature.
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