USAID Suspends All Funding for Pakistan After Trump’s Executive Order
Islamabad, Pakistan — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has paused all funding for its programs in Pakistan following a recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. The order, issued on January 20, 2025, halts all foreign aid for a 90-day period to review and realign U.S. foreign aid policies, with exceptions for Egypt and Israel.
Impact of Trump’s Executive Order
President Trump’s executive order, titled “Re-evaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” instructs a temporary suspension of foreign aid for all countries, including Pakistan. The suspension will last for 90 days, during which time U.S. authorities will assess the effectiveness and allocation of foreign aid programs. The only exceptions to this order are Egypt and Israel, which continue to receive U.S. aid.
In response to media inquiries about the halt in aid, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad sent an email stating, “Thank you for your message concerning President Trump’s executive order on re-evaluating and realigning US foreign aid. We have been asked to refer all media queries on the President’s Executive Orders to the White House.”
Decline in U.S. Assistance to Pakistan
The U.S. government’s Foreign Assistance website shows a significant decline in the amount of aid provided to Pakistan. In 2023, Pakistan received approximately $169.8 million in aid, but that amount dropped to $116.5 million in 2024. This decline highlights the growing strain in U.S.-Pakistan relations and the U.S. government’s changing approach to foreign aid.
Key Areas Affected by U.S. Aid Suspension
The U.S. foreign assistance to Pakistan is typically allocated across several sectors, including health, disaster prevention, energy, agriculture, and governance. In 2024, the primary sectors receiving U.S. support included:
- Basic Health: $21.53 million
- Disaster Prevention and Preparedness: $14.01 million
- Business and Other Services: $13.34 million
- Energy: $12.04 million
- Conflict, Peace, and Security: $11.7 million
- Government and Civil Society: $6.608 million
- Agriculture: $4.823 million
- Emergency Response: $3.3 million
- Multi-Sector Programs: $5.003 million
- Operating Expenses: $15.6 million
The halt in funding could have a significant impact on the programs in these sectors, particularly in healthcare, disaster preparedness, and security initiatives.
Trump’s Criticism of Pakistan’s Role in Global Terrorism
This decision comes after several years of criticism from U.S. officials, including President Trump, regarding Pakistan’s role in providing safe havens for terrorists. In 2018, President Trump tweeted that the U.S. had foolishly given Pakistan over $33 billion in aid over the previous 15 years, but had received little help in return. He accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists who are targeted in Afghanistan and vowed to cut off aid.
“They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!” Trump wrote on Twitter.
What This Means for U.S.-Pakistan Relations
The suspension of aid is likely to add strain to the already tense relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. Over the years, Pakistan has been a key partner in the U.S.-led War on Terror but has faced growing criticism from Washington for its alleged ties to insurgent groups. The executive order is a clear indication of the U.S. government’s intent to reassess its foreign relations, particularly in South Asia.
While the 90-day review period is underway, there is no clear indication yet of whether U.S. foreign aid to Pakistan will resume or if it will be permanently reduced. However, the move raises significant questions about the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations, especially in light of the ongoing political and security concerns in the region.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Pakistan?
Pakistan is facing a challenging period in terms of international relations and foreign aid. While it is unclear what the long-term effects of the aid suspension will be, Pakistan’s leadership will likely have to find new ways to address its financial needs and strengthen its partnerships with other countries. The current state of U.S.-Pakistan relations suggests that foreign aid and diplomatic strategies may shift in the near future.
As the 90-day review continues, Pakistan will be closely monitoring the situation to determine how it might adapt to the changing dynamics of foreign assistance and international support.
Tags: USAID, U.S. foreign aid, Pakistan foreign aid, Donald Trump, U.S.-Pakistan relations, Trump executive order, foreign aid suspension, U.S. foreign policy, international relations, Pakistan economy
Disclaimer: Above information have been compiled from various newspapers and is being published for information purpose only.
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