One of the challenges of delivering effective economic development assistance to Pakistan is to make sure that the aid money is invested wisely. To create effective assistance programs in Pakistan, U.S. policy should focus on new mechanisms of oversight. There are also extensive opportunities to improve Pakistan’s energy infrastructure and agricultural practices – and these kinds of basic investments would create significant gains for Pakistan’s economy.

Policy Recommendations:

Create effective oversight of U.S. aid to Pakistan to make sure that money is spent on its intended programs and goals. Pakistanis should be directly involved in the oversight process, in order to help create feelings of Pakistani ownership of the projects and avoid feelings of mistrust or resentment.

Help provide U.S. aid and expertise to build up Pakistan’s energy infrastructure and improve the supply of electricity. Currently, millions of Pakistanis face hours of power shortages on a daily basis.

Help strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural economy by introducing modern methods of farming, by providing the expertise of U.S. agriculture experts, and by instituting measurable, objective goals. Boosting Pakistan’s agricultural sector would allow the U.S. to provide immediate help to millions of ordinary Pakistanis and would “win hearts and minds.”

Pakistanis need to see more examples of American goodwill in their country. There needs to be more American projects to point to as an example of success. For Example:

– Boost employment collaboration and strengthen corporate relationships.

– Create more favorable economic trade policies for Pakistan, such as promoting free trade zones or “reconstruction opportunity zones.” (See related legislation: Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones Act of 2009.)

– Promote skilled and vocational training programs. (See related legislation: Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.)

“The love affair of the Pakistani people with their country is a firewall that will hold. Violent extremists can flog the odd alleged straying couple, but they cannot flog 172 million people. They cannot win this war, and that is why they’re so angry all the time.”
- Mosharraf Zaidi, Pakistani writer