The world economic powers must lend economic support to Pakistan as robustly as they are doing for Afghanistan to help Islamabad step up socio-economic development of its people, U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke said. The Obama Administration’s special representative for the region acknowledged the fact that Pakistan currently is not receiving enough economic assistance.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Holbrooke said Washington has an “undiminished” commitment to Pakistan’s progress but stressed expansion in economic support for the key South Asian anti-terrorism partner must be an international effort.

“Absolutely. But that does not mean cut (in aid for) Afghanistan. It means increase (in aid for) Pakistan. It means get the international community, which is being pretty generous in Afghanistan, we’ve got to get the same thing in Pakistan,” Holbrooke said agreeing on the need to bolster economic aid for Pakistan, when a participant drew his attention to the disparity in aid given to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The envoy stated that both President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton share the view with respect to increased economic backing for Pakistan.

In this respect, Holbrooke cited “enormous” increase in U.S. civilian assistance for Pakistan under the $ 7.5 billion five-year Kerry-Lugar Bill.

Besides, he said, the U.S. also pledged a billion dollars in Tokyo conference in April and also contributed generously to humanitarian aid for Swat refugees, who had to leave their homes in the wake of Pakistan’s anti-Taliban offensive this past summer.
“We don’t give enough aid to Pakistan, in my view. But it is extremely difficult because of the long complicated history between the two countries… so speaking for myself, we should give more money to Pakistan.

“But it should be an international effort. This is not Marshall plan days again when all comes from us. The European Union gives a tiny fraction of its assistance. And finally, in Tokyo they gave $ 500 million, which was a big step forward.”
He looked forward to working with the new European Union foreign policy minister in the area.

Ambassador Holbrooke quoted the example of massive increase in Japanese assistance for Afghanistan as Tokyo is due to pour $ five billion in aid for Kabul over next five years.

“For me that is one of the three or four highest priorities to get Pakistan assistance internationally up to that level.”