The United States has temporarily suspended all foreign aid to Pakistan, halting several key development projects across various sectors. The decision comes as part of a broader directive from the US Department of State to pause foreign assistance programs for 90 days, pending a reassessment of their alignment with US foreign policy.

The suspension, which also affects aid to countries such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and Jordan, follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump shortly after beginning his second term on January 20. The order mandates a comprehensive review of all foreign development assistance programs to ensure they align with the administration’s foreign policy objectives.

Impact on Pakistan’s Development Projects

According to US officials, the suspension has disrupted numerous initiatives in Pakistan. Key programs affected include:

• Cultural Preservation: The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation projects have been halted.
• Energy Sector: Five major energy-related projects have been suspended.
• Economic Growth: Four programs aimed at fostering economic growth have been paused.
• Agriculture: Five agricultural development projects have had their funding stopped.
• Democracy and Governance: Funding for democracy, human rights, and governance-related programs has been temporarily halted, impacting 11 governance-related initiatives.
• Education and Health: Four education and four health sector projects have also been suspended.

US officials emphasized that the suspension is temporary and that the future of these programs will be determined after the reassessment is complete.

Broader Foreign Aid Policy Shift

The executive order signed by President Trump states, “It is the policy of the United States that no further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States.”

Shortly after the order, the US State Department issued a memo suspending nearly all new foreign aid funding, with exceptions for key Middle Eastern allies, including Israel and Egypt. Emergency food assistance and related expenses were also exempted from the suspension.

In a statement defending the decision, the State Department quoted President Trump, who said, “The United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people.”