US vows to give aid directly to Pakistan govt

The United States ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Patterson said the US aid would be provided directly to Government of Pakistan. According to the US embassy in Islamabad, Patterson said the US government had no plans to stop the direct payment of aid to the government due to mistrust. The US envoy maintained that United States provide aid under many disciplines across the world including budgetary aid. As far as Pakistans aid is concerned, the direct aid will be part of the package given to Pakistan from different sources, she added. She further said that Pakistan had been provided aid of US $3 billion since President Zardari took charge of his office. Anne W. Patterson said after the final approval of Kerry Lugar Bill, the non-military aid would be given directly to Pakistan while the other assistance would be provided through the government departments, private sector firms and NGOs.