Recommendations & Conclusions
39 items
1
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 to reach their potential, at risk. This is at odds …
Government response. Response: Levels of UK ODA funding reflect the development gains Pakistan has made, with UK support, and its progress to lower middle-income country status. UK aid in Pakistan is carefully targeted towards delivering development impact for Pakistan’s most vulnerable groups. …
2
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
The UK Government should direct its bilateral ODA spending in Pakistan strategically towards supporting marginalised groups reach their full potential.
Government response. UK aid to Pakistan: Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Committee, Session 2021–22 v Response: We welcome IDC’s emphasis on inclusion of marginalised groups throughout their report. Please see the response to the committee’s related recommendations 22, 34 …
3
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. Response: The recently published International Development Strategy (IDS) sets out the UK’s approach clearly. We 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. …
4
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Rejected
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 …
5
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 seek to ensure a joined-up approach, which aligns strategic and sectoral work in all areas of UK aid spending. The UK’s strategy is informed by what other donors …
6
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. Response: The British High Commission in Islamabad works with other donors locally to seek to ensure a joined-up approach, which aligns strategic and sectoral work in all areas of UK aid spending. The UK’s strategy is informed by what other …
7
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Long-term aid programmes often represent better value for money than short-term projects, especially in areas such as education.
Government response. We recognise the importance of long-term approaches to achieving inclusive and transformative development in Pakistan. Working through programmes, policy interventions and political lobbying, the UK government’s efforts aim to tackle structural and systemic issues to deliver sustainable growth, stability and …
8
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. Response: We recognise the importance of long-term approaches to achieving inclusive and transformative development in Pakistan. Working through programmes, policy interventions and political lobbying, the UK government’s efforts aim to tackle structural and systemic issues to deliver sustainable growth, stability …
9
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 some larger aid programmes, especially in emergencies. Nevertheless, it is …
Government response. Local organisations and communities are embedded in UK aid programme delivery. There is a strong network of local NGOs in Pakistan which are engaged in programme implementation, for example; Teach for Pakistan in the Data and Research in Education programme, …
10
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 of aid programmes by INGOs, or consider creating partnerships between …
Government response. Response: Local organisations and communities are embedded in UK aid programme delivery. There is a strong network of local NGOs in Pakistan which are engaged in programme UK aid to Pakistan: Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Committee, …
11
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. Response: The operating space for civil society remains extremely constrained in Pakistan. Organisations are subject to registration requirements and require no-objection certificates (NOC) before undertaking activities. Freedom House (2022) rates Pakistan as ‘Partly Free’, suggesting that there are selective restrictions …
12
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 Committee within nine months to update us on their progress …
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 in Pakistan, such as improving opportunities for women and girls …
Government response. viii UK aid to Pakistan: Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Committee, Session 2021–22 Response: The UK continues to engage with the Government of Pakistan to prioritise policy and programme interventions which support open societies and improve opportunities …
14
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Acknowledged
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 Pakistan’s National Commission on the Status of Women and its …
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 …
15
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities in Pakistan and increased the risk of reversals in gains made so far in poverty reduction, gender equality and human rights. In 2020, we spent £88.2 million responding to the Government of Pakistan’s priorities on …
16
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to 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 work in other areas, such as in education and economic …
Government response. The UK are convenors of the Health, Population, and Nutrition Development Partners Group in Pakistan, and in this role we facilitate health sector policy coordination between donors, multilateral agencies and NGOs, including on nutrition and food insecurity. Other donors are …
18
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Consequently, the FCDO should continue to fund programmes which tackle nutrition challenges, such as stunting within Pakistan, especially amongst girls.
Government response. Response: The UK are convenors of the Health, Population, and Nutrition Development Partners Group in Pakistan, and in this role we facilitate health sector policy coordination between donors, multilateral agencies and NGOs, including on nutrition and food insecurity. Other donors …
19
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 of covid-19. (Paragraph 43) UK aid to Pakistan 35
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 …
20
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. x UK aid to Pakistan: Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Committee, Session 2021–22
21
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 …
23
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 …
24
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 and child development.
Government response. Family planning is recognised as one of the ‘best buy’ investments in development, providing a highly cost-effective way of giving women agency and control over their reproductive health. Increasing family planning has a direct correlation with a reduction in maternal …
25
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted in Part
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 rights strategy.
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 …
27
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 disabilities in Pakistan.
Government response. Response: The new FCDO Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy 2020–2030 was launched in February 2022. The strategy reaffirms the UK’s commitment to act as a global leader on disability inclusion and sets out FCDO’s approach towards 2030. In Pakistan we …
28
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
LGBT+ people continue to face challenges in Pakistani society, including the criminalisation of same-sex relationships, and discrimination and violence.
Government response. The UK Government is fundamentally opposed to all forms of discrimination. We continue to champion the rights of LGBT+ people and urge the international community, including Pakistan, to address discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, …
29
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 to all providers and the Pakistani Government that aid programmes …
Government response. Response: The UK Government is fundamentally opposed to all forms of discrimination. We continue to champion the rights of LGBT+ people and urge the international community, including Pakistan, to address discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender …
30
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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 accused and the accused’s family. (Paragraph 66) 36 UK aid …
Government response. It is deeply concerning that blasphemy laws in Pakistan are frequently misused, including to settle personal disputes and to target religious minorities. We raise this issue privately with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels to avoid the risk …
31
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. It is deeply concerning that blasphemy laws in Pakistan are frequently misused, including to settle personal disputes and to target religious minorities. We raise this issue privately with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels to avoid the risk …
32
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Acknowledged
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 …
33
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. Response: We recognise that religious minorities face obstacles in freely practising their religion and continue to face discrimination and violence in Pakistan. We consistently advocate for minority rights and provide direct support through programming and welcome any steps taken by …
34
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
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. Response: Since the IDC published its report on Pakistan, the Pakistan Network Gender Strategy (2022–27) has been adopted and makes specific commitments for targeting women and girls who face intersecting vulnerabilities due to disability, religion or other protected characteristics. In …
35
Recommendation
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 challenges faced by those who belong to intersecting groups, such …
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 …
36
Conclusion
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Acknowledged
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
Accepted
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 …