The US officials performing duties in Pakistan always rely on officials of Pakistan. They never come out from their offices to judge the situation for themselves. It is interesting to note that they only address the people of big cities. They never undertook a visit of tribal areas to better ascertain the dire conditions.

According to a report, Lynne Tracy, Principal Officer at the US Consulate in Peshawar, has said that the United States will continue to help Pakistan improve education, health care, transportation and economic opportunities in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

The US government has signed a new multi year agreement offering 750 million dollars as assistance to FATA on September 30 last which would be spent in the next five years. The United States is providing 105 million dollars this year for the FATA programme.

Tracy said while talking to students and faculty members at the Institute of Management Sciences on Monday. She noted that women in FATA will benefit substantially from the assistance.

"This is particularly appropriate to focus on as we mark November 25 as the international day for the elimination of violence against women. Education, access to better healthcare and real economic opportunities will bring about dramatic change in the welfare of women in FATA and will help end communal and domestic violence", she maintained.

Tracy added that US assistance would be used to support programmes in capacity building, livelihoods, agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises, health, education and infrastructure development in FATA.

She said, "the United States is doing this because Pakistan is our partner and ally in the region and we have a long term commitment to help Pakistan become more democratic, prosperous and peaceful."
The End