Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Sixth Report - UK aid to Pakistan
International Development Committee
HC 102
Published 29 April 2022
Recommendations
10
Consequently, we recommend that, wherever possible, the FCDO should consider the benefits of delivering UK...
Recommendation
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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14
Acknowledged
As such, the UK Government should maintain dialogue with the Pakistani Government on the importance...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
Conclusions (15)
1
Conclusion
Para 7
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 …
2
Conclusion
Para 7
The UK Government should direct its bilateral ODA spending in Pakistan strategically towards supporting marginalised groups reach their full potential.
3
Conclusion
Para 10
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.
6
Conclusion
Para 12
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.
8
Conclusion
Para 14
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.
11
Conclusion
Para 21
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.
13
Conclusion
Para 25
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 …
18
Conclusion
Para 38
Consequently, the FCDO should continue to fund programmes which tackle nutrition challenges, such as stunting within Pakistan, especially amongst girls.
20
Conclusion
Para 47
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.
27
Conclusion
Para 56
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.
29
Conclusion
Para 59
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 …
32
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 73
Religious minorities face obstacles in freely practising their religion and continue to face discrimination and violence within Pakistan society.
Government Response Summary
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
Conclusion
Para 73
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.
34
Conclusion
Para 77
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.
36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 78
In addition, multiple challenges remain for civil society and marginalised groups.
Government Response Summary
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.