With approximately $30 billion invested in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and governance, the United States Agency for International growth (USAID) has played a significant role in Pakistan’s growth for more than 70 years. The abrupt termination of $169 million worth of operational programs, however, forces Pakistan to consider if this crisis will help the nation become more self-sufficient or if the void left by USAID will increase its economic and social vulnerabilities.
Thousands of workers in Pakistan’s development sector who were previously employed by NGOs and civil society organizations are now at risk of losing their jobs as a result of the funding freeze decision.
“Pakistan must finally become self-sufficient. Aid kept us reliant; aid is an issue, just like debt.
