US aid to Pakistan focuses on tribal belts welfare

The resurgence of al Qaeda and Taliban in the tribal belt of Pakistans North West Frontier Province (NWFP) has led the US and Pakistan to focus their attention on the region as part of their bilateral Strategic Dialogue.

Islamabad, Sept 13 : The resurgence of al Qaeda and Taliban in the tribal belt of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) has led the US and Pakistan to focus their attention on the region as part of their bilateral Strategic Dialogue.

The Joint Statement released by both countries after the conclusion of their second Strategic Dialogue meeting here today focussed on this specific region where security forces are being targeted by the suicide bombers.

It has been agreed to increase the capacity of the Frontier Corps of Pakistan military to tackle the situation in the region. As part of the strategy, the US is planning to give more money to assist Pakistan's education system in the region.

"USAID plans a 90 million-dollar, five-year program designed in close consultation with Pakistan's Ministry of Education to assist and expand public school education in Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Sindh, and Islamabad," the joint Statement said.

The US is already committed to provide 750 million dollars to Pakistan, over a period of five years, in support of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas Development Plan.

The US today reiterated its commitment to help Pakistan meet its 'legitimate' defence needs and bolster the country's anti-terrorism capabilities.

Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan, who led his country's delegation in the meeting, said that any counter-terrorism action inside Pakistani territory would be carried out Pakistani security forces alone.

US Deputy Secretary of State, John D. Negroponte led the US delegation.

The decision to hold a bilateral Strategic Dialogue was agreed during US President George Bush's visit to Islamabad in March 2006.

The next round of the US-Pakistan Defence Consultative Group is scheduled to be held on November 6 in Islamabad.

ANI