Action Alert: Urge Clinton to Ensure Assistance Reaches Pakistanis

Your action is needed to work together to guarantee that U.S. foreign assistance is transparent and benefits the people of Pakistan; that the U.S. brings India to the table to resolve the dispute over Kashmir; and that the U.S. and Pakistan works to overcome the mistrust that has characterized relations between the two countries. (more…)

FEATURED REPORT: USAID Releases FATA Audit Report

In January 2008, in order to increase the capacity of FATA governmental institutions and  nongovernmental organizations USAID/Pakistan awarded a 3-year, $43.4 million contract to Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), to carry out the Capacity Building for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas Development Program. In May 2009, to cover the cost of security measures, the mission increased the contract amount by $2.2 million to a total of $45.6 million. As of October 31, 2009, USAID had obligated approximately $19.7 million and expended approximately $15.5 million. (more…)

CPR Meets with House Government Reform and Oversight Committee

On March 1, CPR met with the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, which is chaired by Congressman Tierney (D-MA).  CPR met with the Sub-Committee’s Counsel Scott Lindsay and Staff Director Andrew Wright and expressed its strong interest in working with the subcommittee on all issues related to South Asia.  The staffers stated that Chairman Tierney was focused on Pakistan and how the State Department and USAID were going to allocate the foreign assistance money.  CPR urged the Subcommittee to identify ways to include the Pakistani American community in its work and to hold the Government of Pakistan (and the U.S. Government) accountable for the foreign assistance it is receiving.

CPR Meets with Congressman Van Hollen to Discuss Trade Legislation

On March 1, CPR met with Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to discuss the importance of granting Pakistan preferential trade access to the U.S. market.  Last year Congressman Van Hollen was the main proponent of the Reconstruction Opportunity Zone (ROZ) legislation that would have provide preferential trade access to goods produced in areas along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border to create jobs and promote cross-border cooperation between the two countries.  Van Hollen explained that while he recognized that the ROZ legislation was not perfect, it was a start and he asked for CPR’s support.  CPR committed to working with the Congressman’s office to advance trade legislation for Pakistan and educate the Pakistani American community about its importance.

View: To Pakistan, Almost with Love

WASHINGTON — One of the problems with the U.S.-Pakistan relationship over the decades has been that the two sides tend to fall in and out of love like a tempestuous couple, rather than maintain a steady and dependable bond. So it’s wise to approach recent talk about a new strategic breakthrough with some caution and skepticism. (more…)

CPR Meets with Senator Cornyn’s Office

On March 1, CPR met with the Office of Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to introduce the work of the Council and discuss issues such as the U.S. Pakistan assistance legislation (Kerry/Lugar) and recent political developments in Pakistan.  CPR stated that its main priorities include: pushing the U.S. to adopt a regional South Asia strategy that includes India; promoting greater U.S. trade access to Pakistani goods; ensuring that U.S. foreign assistance to Pakistan achieves its objectives and that the Pakistani American community has a greater voice in Washington on issues important to Pakistani Americans.

Secretary Clinton Outlined the Administration’s fiscal Budget

On February 24, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined the Obama Administration’s fiscal year 2011 foreign policy budget request before the Senate Foreign Relation Committee. (more…)

Apply for CPR’s Emerging Leaders Internship Program

The Council on Pakistan Relations (CPR) is currently seeking motivated and qualified undergraduate and graduate students interested in serving as interns at the national and state level. Click Here for More

The Voice for Pakistani Americans in Washington

Welcome to the cyber-home of the Council on Pakistan Relations (CPR), a national grassroots organization for Americans interested in a better future and better relations between America and Pakistan. The CPR’s mission is to impact U.S policy towards Pakistan to foster lasting peace, democracy, prosperity and stability. (more…)

CPR OUTLINES STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN U.S.-PAKISTAN RELATIONS

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/18/2010) – This week, the Council on Pakistan Relations (CPR) has provided Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with detailed recommendations on how to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations, improve America’s image in Pakistan and ensure that U.S. assistance to the country actually reaches its intended target, the people of Pakistan. (more…)