ISLAMABAD: Western nations, including the United States and European countries, have expressed “serious concerns” to Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan about a crackdown on aid groups, diplomats said.
Pakistan has long viewed foreign-funded aid groups with suspicion and many members of the powerful military believe that Western countries often use such groups as a cover for spying.
Diplomats and foreign journalists also face severe restrictions on their movements in the nuclear-armed nation.
At least 18 international aid agencies were ordered to leave Pakistan over recent months after being refused registration.
The countries have written a letter to Khan saying the groups did not get a proper explanation for why the government had ordered them out and they criticized a “lack of transparency” in the registration process.
“We are writing to express serious concerns with respect to recent developments,” the countries said in the letter seen by Reuters. Four diplomats confirmed its authenticity.
“Restriction on civil society risks affecting Pakistan’s international reputation as a genuine partner on human developments and undermining confidence of the international donor and business community,” they said in the letter.
Neither Khan’s office nor the foreign ministry had any immediate comment on the letter, which was signed by envoys from the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Norway and Switzerland.
The European Union ambassador signed on behalf of the 17 EU countries with missions in Pakistan, including Britain and France.
A similar letter was sent to the Interior Ministry in September, diplomatic sources say.
The 18 aid organizations were appealing against their expulsion orders, issued late last year to 27 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in all.
The Western envoys said the impact of expelling the groups would be “significant,” and warned that it would imperil some of development goals championed by Khan, who was elected in July on a populist platform to help the poor.
“Restricting INGO operations will affect millions of poor Pakistanis. In 2017 alone, the INGO sector reached 34 million people with humanitarian relief and development assistance,” the counties aid in their letter, referring to international NGOs.
“This will mean thousands of Pakistanis employed by INGOs and local partners may lose their jobs.”
One of the 18 groups facing closure, ActionAid, which focuses on education, poverty alleviation and human rights, said this month the expulsion of the groups was part of a broader pattern.
“Pakistan’s decision to shut down ActionAid and other International NGOs is a worrying escalation of recent attacks on civil society, academics and journalists,” the group said.
Media groups have warned of a more difficult environment for them with increasing censorship and threats from the military, which denies intimidation.
US, EU nations express ‘serious concerns’ about Pakistan’s aid group crackdown
US, EU nations express ‘serious concerns’ about Pakistan’s aid group crackdown
- Pakistan has long viewed foreign-funded aid groups with suspicion and many members of the powerful military believe that Western countries often use such groups as a cover for spying
- At least 18 international aid agencies were ordered to leave Pakistan over recent months after being refused registration
Pakistan forecasts inflation to remain in moderate 5.5-6.5 percent range
- Finance Division report says robust remittance inflows, steady performance of IT, service sectors to cushion external pressures
- Consumer inflation in Pakistan has significantly reduced over the years when it surged to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023
ISLAMABAD: Inflation is expected to remain in the moderate range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for December, the Finance Division said in its Monthly Economic Outlook report on Wednesday.
Pakistan reported inflation at 6.1 percent on a year-on-year basis in November as compared to 6.2 percent in October. Pakistan’s inflation rate rose to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023 on account of surging food and fuel costs as Islamabad scrapped subsidies as part of a financial deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Inflation is projected to remain moderate, in the range of 5.5-6.5 percent in December, primarily reflecting base effect,” the report said.
The Finance Division’s report said Pakistan’s economic outlook remains “positive,” driven by sustained growth in industrial activity due to continued momentum in textiles, automobiles, cement and food processing sectors.
“Robust remittance inflows and steady performance in IT and services exports are likely to cushion external pressures,” the report said.
The report said Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million while it posted a deficit of $812 million during the July-November period.
It said remittances increased by 9.3 percent to $16.1 billion in November, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.2 percent) and the UAE (20.8 percent), while the net foreign direct investment inflows were recorded at $927.4 million during the same July to November period.
It said Pakistan’s fiscal consolidation is expected to continue supporting macroeconomic stability, with government efforts in expenditure management, enhanced tax collection and structural reforms contributing to sustainable growth.
“Overall, Pakistan’s economy is projected to maintain its positive momentum in the coming months, driven by industrial growth, improved governance, digitalization, and prudent macroeconomic management,” the report said.
