As Part Of Battle Against Foreign Aid, Trump Administration Slashes Assistance To Pakistan By $440 Million

In a further setback to Pakistan’s fragile economy, the United States has decided to further reduce its aid to the country by $440 million, which means that funds committed by it under the Kerry Lugar Berman Act have come down to $4.1 billion, reports The Express Tribune.

The money was being given under the Pakistan Enhanced Partnership Agreement (PEPA) signed in 2010 to operationalise the Kerry Lugar Berman Act. Under the latter, the US had initially promised $7.5 billion of assistance to Pakistan, to be spread over a five year period, but the amount has gradually been getting reduced over the years.

The reason for the continuous reduction in the commitment of funds is the deterioration in ties between the two countries, especially since President Donald Trump came to power.

Moreover, Trump now plans on substantially reducing aid on other fronts as well, such as peacekeeping efforts, narcotics control, global health, etc. The president in general has been opposed to US government funds being sent to developing countries.