UK aid to Pakistan
International Development Committee
Closed
Inquiry
Report & Government response published The International Development Committee launched an inquiry examining UK aid to Pakistan. Pakistan is the top bilateral recipient of UK aid and faces a range of complex development challenges. This inquiry explored the range of development interventions in the country, considering whether the UK’s aid …
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17
Recommendations
22
Conclusions
1
Report
4
Oral sessions
3
Letters
4
Events
Activity timeline 13 events
4 Nov
2022
2022
30 Aug
2022
2022
29 Apr
2022
2022
Report published
23 Nov
2021
2021
Oral evidence
23 Nov
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
29 Jun
2021
2021
Oral evidence
29 Jun
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
22 Jun
2021
2021
22 Jun
2021
2021
18 May
2021
2021
Oral evidence
18 May
2021
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
2 Mar
2021
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
23 Nov 2021
View on parliament.uk
UK aid to Pakistan
Annabel Gerry · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
29 Jun 2021
View on parliament.uk
UK aid to Pakistan
Asma Balal · Marie Stopes Society, Pakistan
Kamyla Marvi · British Asian Trust
Professor Javaid Rehman · Brunel University
Professor Mariz Tadros · The Coalition for Religious Equality and Inclusive Development (CREID)
18 May 2021
View on parliament.uk
UK aid to Pakistan
Adnan Junaid · International Rescue Committee
Amir Ramzan · British Council
Fajer Rabia Pasha · Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education
2 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
UK aid to Pakistan
Dr. Farzana Shaikh · Chatham House
Rahul Roy-Chaudhury · International Institute for Strategic Studies
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan | HC 102 | 29 Apr 2022 | 39 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
39 results
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Despite the numerous development challenges continuing to face marginalised communities in Pakistan, UK bilateral aid...
Despite the numerous development challenges continuing to face marginalised communities in Pakistan, UK bilateral aid spending in the country has dramatically decreased since 2016. We heard evidence about how this puts the future development of marginalised groups, and their ability …
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Government Response
The government states that the decreased ODA funding reflects Pakistan's development gains and lower middle-income status. UK aid is targeted towards vulnerable groups and the government is transitioning to broader partnerships to support these groups.
2
Recommendation
Deferred
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The UK Government should direct its bilateral ODA spending in Pakistan strategically towards supporting marginalised...
The UK Government should direct its bilateral ODA spending in Pakistan strategically towards supporting marginalised groups reach their full potential.
Government Response
The government welcomed the emphasis on inclusion and redirected the committee to responses 22, 34 and 35 for detail.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
It is vital that UK aid partners understand the aims and strategy of UK aid...
It is vital that UK aid partners understand the aims and strategy of UK aid in Pakistan in order to carry out their work as effectively as possible.
Government Response
The FCDO will convene a series of discussions with UK aid partners in Pakistan to promote the IDS and how it applies to UK aid in Pakistan, building upon existing engagement with implementing partners.
4
Recommendation
Rejected
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Consequently, the FCDO should publish its most up-to-date iteration of the Integrated Delivery Plan for...
Consequently, the FCDO should publish its most up-to-date iteration of the Integrated Delivery Plan for Pakistan.
Government Response
The government states that the Integrated Delivery Plan was replaced by a new Country Plan that captures the full range of UK activity in Pakistan, including security, economy and trade, consular assistance and political engagement, but that the Country Plan is an internal document.
5
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Aid programmes are most effective when different donors ensure that they complement each other in...
Aid programmes are most effective when different donors ensure that they complement each other in a joined-up approach. Our evidence suggested that this isn’t always the case in Pakistan.
Government Response
The British High Commission in Islamabad works with other donors locally to ensure a joined-up approach, aligning strategic and sectoral work, informed by what other donors are doing and identifying comparative advantage.
6
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
UK aid should strive to adopt a joined-up strategy in Pakistan through collaboration with other...
UK aid should strive to adopt a joined-up strategy in Pakistan through collaboration with other donors, to ensure that aid programmes complement and amplify each other.
Government Response
The government claims the British High Commission in Islamabad already works with other donors to ensure a joined-up approach by aligning strategic and sectoral work in all areas of UK aid spending.
7
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Long-term aid programmes often represent better value for money than short-term projects, especially in areas...
Long-term aid programmes often represent better value for money than short-term projects, especially in areas such as education.
Government Response
The government states that their efforts through programmes, policy interventions and political lobbying, aim to tackle structural and systemic issues to deliver sustainable growth, stability and poverty reduction in Pakistan. Decisions on programme types and duration are based on evidence and UK priorities.
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
In order to drive inclusive and transformative development in Pakistan, the FCDO should focus its...
In order to drive inclusive and transformative development in Pakistan, the FCDO should focus its aid programming in Pakistan on long-term interventions rather than short-term projects.
Government Response
The government recognises the importance of long-term approaches and states its efforts aim to tackle structural issues for sustainable growth and poverty reduction, using programmes, policy interventions and political lobbying.
9
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Aid programmes are more effective when they are run by or involve local organisations and...
Aid programmes are more effective when they are run by or involve local organisations and people due to their integration into and acceptance by local communities. However, we accept that it may be more appropriate for large INGOs to operate …
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Government Response
The government stated local organisations and communities are already embedded in UK aid program delivery, citing examples and engagement fairs, and said they remain committed to ensuring beneficiaries are involved in design and delivery while reviewing feedback mechanisms.
10
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Consequently, we recommend that, wherever possible, the FCDO should consider the benefits of delivering UK...
Consequently, we recommend that, wherever possible, the FCDO should consider the benefits of delivering UK aid programmes through local NGOs in Pakistan. Where this is not possible, the FCDO should involve local organisations and communities in the planning and implementation …
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Government Response
The government states that local organisations and communities are already embedded in UK aid programme delivery and that they hold early market engagement fairs at programme design stage to create opportunities for local NGOs to partner with INGOs.
11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
There is a shrinking space for INGOs and NGOs in Pakistan, who are seen as...
There is a shrinking space for INGOs and NGOs in Pakistan, who are seen as promoting a foreign agenda. The restrictions on and harassment towards NGOs in Pakistan threatens the success of UK aid programmes there.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the constrained operating space for civil society in Pakistan and states it continues to engage with the Government of Pakistan and international partners to develop a more conducive environment for CSOs.
12
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should work with the Pakistani Government and use diplomatic means to ensure that...
The FCDO should work with the Pakistani Government and use diplomatic means to ensure that INGOs and NGOs, especially the UK’s aid partners, are able to undertake development work in the country without barriers. The FCDO should write to the …
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Government Response
The UK will continue to engage with the Government of Pakistan to encourage space for NGOs and INGOs to undertake development work and the FCDO will write to the Committee within nine months to update on progress.
13
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
UK aid programmes focused on supporting the development of an open society do not always...
UK aid programmes focused on supporting the development of an open society do not always fit with the policy objectives of the Pakistani Government. However, progress in this area is key to supporting other core elements of UK development work …
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Government Response
The UK continues to engage with the Government of Pakistan to prioritize policy and programme interventions which support open societies and improve opportunities for women, girls and minority groups, raising the issue in early meetings with the new government.
14
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
As such, the UK Government should maintain dialogue with the Pakistani Government on the importance...
As such, the UK Government should maintain dialogue with the Pakistani Government on the importance of an open society, including the need for civic spaces and religious and media freedom. As part of this, the FCDO should increase support to …
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Government Response
The government says it is in regular dialogue with Pakistan promoting an open society, including religious and media freedom. They engage regularly with Pakistan’s National Commission on the Status of Women and Pakistan’s National Commission on Human Rights and will continue to advocate for greater operational independence and better resourcing of these Commissions.
15
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Like much of the world, Pakistan has been significantly impacted by covid-19.
Like much of the world, Pakistan has been significantly impacted by covid-19. It is clear in Pakistan that marginalised and vulnerable groups have been disproportionately affected.
Government Response
The government states that COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities and outlines £88.2 million in spending in 2020 responding to COVID-19 in Pakistan including support for testing, education, economic stimulus, and helplines.
16
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should continue to carry out aid programmes aimed at helping covid-19 recovery, particularly...
The FCDO should continue to carry out aid programmes aimed at helping covid-19 recovery, particularly addressing the impact among marginalised communities, especially children. (Paragraph 34) Development challenges in Pakistan
Government Response
The government states that they already spent £88.2 million responding to Pakistan's COVID-19 response in 2020, with specific allocations to humanitarian programs, economic growth, education, governance, and support for helplines for vulnerable people.
17
Conclusion
Deferred
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Food insecurity remains a development challenge in Pakistan.
Food insecurity remains a development challenge in Pakistan. As adequate nutrition is central to maintaining progress in key areas for development such as health, education, and economic growth, failing to have a joined-up strategy towards nutrition undermines the UK Government’s …
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Government Response
The UK facilitates health sector policy coordination as convenors of a Development Partners Group, but has exited bilateral ODA finance of nutrition, prioritizing interventions in other areas while continuing to fund UN agencies that provide specific nutrition policy and services.
18
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Consequently, the FCDO should continue to fund programmes which tackle nutrition challenges, such as stunting...
Consequently, the FCDO should continue to fund programmes which tackle nutrition challenges, such as stunting within Pakistan, especially amongst girls.
Government Response
The UK is convenors of the Health, Population, and Nutrition Development Partners Group in Pakistan, but has exited bilateral ODA finance of nutrition and prioritised our interventions in other areas. They continue to fund UN agencies that provide specific nutrition policy and services.
19
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The aid cuts and the subsequent delays threaten to undermine the UK Government’s education goals...
The aid cuts and the subsequent delays threaten to undermine the UK Government’s education goals in Pakistan, particularly to support the rebuilding of Pakistan’s education system to be more inclusive for girls and the most marginalised communities following the impact …
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Government Response
The government states that Pakistan has resources to address key education reforms and that their continued support will focus on providing technical expertise to support governments to improve access to education and quality of learning with a focus on girls and the most marginalised, as well as supporting catch-up learning post pandemic.
20
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
While we welcome the FCDO’s ongoing commitment to girls’ education and the economic empowerment of...
While we welcome the FCDO’s ongoing commitment to girls’ education and the economic empowerment of women and girls in Pakistan, we are concerned about the effect of the cut to UK aid programmes in this area on women and girls.
Government Response
No response provided.
21
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Building upon existing work, the FCDO should continue to fund and develop UK aid programmes...
Building upon existing work, the FCDO should continue to fund and develop UK aid programmes in education and economic empowerment for women and girls.
Government Response
The government states they are already supporting women's economic empowerment through programmes like Enterprise and Assets Growth (EAGR) and bringing together wider UK capabilities to help Pakistan mobilise foreign savings and drive economic growth and job creation, including for women.
22
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
It is important that UK aid programmes are fully inclusive and target all communities, including...
It is important that UK aid programmes are fully inclusive and target all communities, including marginalised groups and those considered less employable. This is crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Government Response
The government states they target interventions carefully to reach communities most in need and describes a range of UK aid programs focusing on tackling multi-dimensional exclusion in Pakistan, including support for legislation, community interventions, education, health, and the Benazir Income Support Programme.
23
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should proactively target future aid interventions towards getting more of the most marginalised...
The FCDO should proactively target future aid interventions towards getting more of the most marginalised women and girls, including from rural and hard-to-reach communities, into school and actively involved in the economy.
Government Response
The government refers to related responses and states that women and girls are a priority in the International Development Strategy. They have developed a Pakistan Network Gender Strategy (2022–27) to increase our focus on women and girls, including those who experience multiple vulnerabilities.
24
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
UK aid in Pakistan has funded vital family planning projects.
UK aid in Pakistan has funded vital family planning projects. However, despite its own statements reiterating the importance of family planning in Pakistan, UK aid spending has been cut in this area, leading to worse outcomes for women and girls …
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Government Response
The government acknowledged family planning as a 'best buy' investment and a priority, stating that while the budget has been reduced, they remain one of the largest donors and have reached 1.7 million people between April 2021 and March 2022.
25
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should continue its work on family planning in Pakistan and reconsider cuts to...
The FCDO should continue its work on family planning in Pakistan and reconsider cuts to UK aid programmes in this area.
Government Response
While the budget has reduced, family planning remains a priority for the UK and the government remains one of the largest donors in this sector in Pakistan, reaching about 1.7 million people between April 2021 and March 2022.
26
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
People with disabilities continue to face challenges in Pakistan, including in access to education.
People with disabilities continue to face challenges in Pakistan, including in access to education. We welcome the FCDO’s commitment to disability inclusive development, including through the former DFID’s strategy for Disability Inclusive Development and its new FCDO disability inclusion and …
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Government Response
The government states they are implementing the FCDO’s inclusion and rights strategy in Pakistan, working with partners to ensure access for people with disabilities and referencing specific examples like scholarships and accessible ramps in schools, as well as support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
27
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
As we collected evidence for this inquiry before the release of this new strategy, the...
As we collected evidence for this inquiry before the release of this new strategy, the FCDO should provide a detailed explanation of how this new strategy will impact UK aid programming to improve the rights and lives of people with …
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Government Response
The FCDO states that in Pakistan they intend to build on the legacy UK aid programmes in this area and ongoing work on human rights, implement across the portfolio in line with the new strategy, maintain a focus on women and girls, including those with disabilities, and are committed to acting at multiple levels.
28
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
LGBT+ people continue to face challenges in Pakistani society, including the criminalisation of same-sex relationships,...
LGBT+ people continue to face challenges in Pakistani society, including the criminalisation of same-sex relationships, and discrimination and violence.
Government Response
The government reiterated its opposition to discrimination and commitment to championing the rights of LGBT+ people, emphasizing the need to manage interventions carefully and in collaboration with communities to avoid doing harm.
29
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The UK Government should use its diplomatic influence, including its new Special Envoy on LGBT...
The UK Government should use its diplomatic influence, including its new Special Envoy on LGBT Rights, to persuade the Pakistani Government to not enforce anti- LGBT+ legislation, and to encourage a change in social attitudes. It should also make clear …
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Government Response
The UK Government states it is fundamentally opposed to all forms of discrimination and continues to champion the rights of LGBT+ people, urging the international community, including Pakistan, to address discrimination. They regularly engage members of the Pakistani transgender community to understand the challenges they face and ensure that they are designing appropriate interventions based on need.
30
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Evidence given to our inquiry suggested that blasphemy laws in Pakistan are frequently misused to...
Evidence given to our inquiry suggested that blasphemy laws in Pakistan are frequently misused to settle personal disputes and to target religious minorities. Claims of blasphemy are often not supported by adequate evidence and can lead to violence towards the …
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Government Response
The government raises the misuse of blasphemy laws with the Pakistani Government at the highest levels, presses for speedy and fair trials, and urges authorities to ensure the safety of those released.
31
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should encourage the Pakistani Government to ensure that the Pakistani authorities take a...
The FCDO should encourage the Pakistani Government to ensure that the Pakistani authorities take a more rigorous approach towards evidence collection for these crimes and to offer greater protection for people accused of blasphemy and their families.
Government Response
The government raises the misuse of blasphemy laws with the Pakistani Government at the highest levels, presses for speedy and fair trials, and urges authorities to ensure the safety of those released.
32
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Religious minorities face obstacles in freely practising their religion and continue to face discrimination and...
Religious minorities face obstacles in freely practising their religion and continue to face discrimination and violence within Pakistan society.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and states that they raise this issue privately with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels, press for speedy and fair trials, and urge the Pakistan authorities to ensure the safety of those released.
33
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should ensure that programmes that they fund are fully inclusive and make a...
The FCDO should ensure that programmes that they fund are fully inclusive and make a particular effort to reach religious minorities. The FCDO should also undertake a religious diversity audit of UK aid programmes in Pakistan.
Government Response
The government states that they consistently advocate for minority rights and provide direct support through programming, citing examples like the Chevening scholarships and the Aawaz II programme, and routinely assess how to ensure the principles of inclusion across all programmes.
34
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
It is clear that women and girls and minority groups face particular challenges in Pakistani...
It is clear that women and girls and minority groups face particular challenges in Pakistani society and those belonging to multiple groups often face intersecting and compounded discrimination.
Government Response
The government references the Pakistan Network Gender Strategy (2022-27) which makes specific commitments for targeting women and girls who face intersecting vulnerabilities.
35
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
We recommend that the FCDO adopts an explicit focus on the impact of aid programmes...
We recommend that the FCDO adopts an explicit focus on the impact of aid programmes on marginalised and minority communities and develops further specific aid programmes in country targeted at these groups. The FCDO should take into account the particular …
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Government Response
The government states that impact assessment work across their portfolio helps to ensure that the needs of marginalised groups are considered and included, that their diplomatic engagement raises the results of these assessments, and that specific programmes such as the Aawaz II programme target human rights work to support the most marginalised.
36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
In addition, multiple challenges remain for civil society and marginalised groups.
In addition, multiple challenges remain for civil society and marginalised groups.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the challenges faced by civil society and marginalised groups, and states that they prioritise the targeting of marginalized groups, especially women and girls.
37
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
As such, the FCDO should continue to designate Pakistan as a human rights priority country.
As such, the FCDO should continue to designate Pakistan as a human rights priority country.
Government Response
The government states that Pakistan is already a FCDO Human Rights priority country.
38
Conclusion
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Pakistan already hosts the second highest number of refugees in the world.
Pakistan already hosts the second highest number of refugees in the world. It is important that countries capable of helping carry the financial and practical burden do so.
Government Response
The government states that the UK is working with other donors to support Pakistan and UNHCR to protect and support Afghan refugees in Pakistan, and Pakistan has received World Bank funds for refugee hosting areas.
39
Recommendation
Accepted
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The FCDO should ensure that the Pakistani authorities receive the necessary assistance and resources to...
The FCDO should ensure that the Pakistani authorities receive the necessary assistance and resources to be able to cope with refugees fleeing from the crisis in Afghanistan. (Paragraph 82) UK aid to Pakistan 37
Government Response
Since late 2021, the UK has provided £7 million to WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC to support preparedness and response for the arrival of new refugees from Afghanistan to Pakistan, also working within a donor group and supporting Pakistan’s strategy for Afghan refugees.
Government Response AI assessment · 39 of 17 classified
Accepted
21
Acknowledged
13
Deferred
2
Rejected
1
Total
17 recs + 22 conclusions
Correspondence 3 letters
30 Aug 2022
From committee
Letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs regarding flooding in Pakistan August 2022 - 30 August 2022
Parliament page
22 Jun 2021
From committee
Letter to Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth regarding the use of the death penalty in Pakistan - 24 May 2021
Parliament page
22 Jun 2021
To committee
Letter from Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth regarding the use of the death penalty in Pakistan - 11 June 2021
Parliament page