The administration of US President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended aid to Pakistan, impacting major development projects in the energy, agriculture, and social sectors. This suspension is part of a broader freeze on nearly all US foreign aid programs, affecting multiple countries, including Ukraine, Taiwan, and Jordan, for an initial period of 90 days. The US State Department directed all diplomatic and consular missions to halt aid programs immediately. Among the affected initiatives in Pakistan are five key energy projects, four economic growth programs, and five agricultural sector initiatives. Funding for democracy, human rights, governance, education, and health has also been paused, disrupting development efforts across the country. Additionally, the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation has been suspended, halting significant efforts to preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The Trump administration’s aid freeze, which excludes emergency food assistance and military aid to Israel and Egypt, reflects a broader shift in US foreign policy under the new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. An internal memo cited by AFP outlines a restrictive policy requiring all new and extended awards to undergo review and approval before receiving funds. This policy has sparked criticism from international organizations, with Oxfam America president Abby Maxman emphasizing the critical role of US foreign aid. “Humanitarian and development assistance accounts for only around one percent of the federal budget; it saves lives, fights diseases, educates millions of children, and reduces poverty,” Maxman stated. US officials are expected to reassess the suspended programs in the coming months to determine their future viability, leaving numerous development initiatives in Pakistan and beyond in uncertainty.
