U.S. Suspends All Aid to Pakistan, Halting Key Development Projects Amid Policy Review
The pause risks cutting off billions of dollars in critical life-saving assistance to Pakistan.
The United States has suspended all aid programs to Pakistan, resulting in a temporary halt of numerous key development projects.
This decision, announced on January 28, 2025, follows President Donald Trump’s directive to reassess foreign assistance allocations in light of U.S. foreign policy objectives. The suspension affects 11 governance programs and various initiatives under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
The suspension of aid to Pakistan marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign assistance strategy, reflecting broader changes under the Trump administration. The future of these programs will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing review by U.S. officials.
The suspension impacts multiple sectors, including:
- Energy: Five projects halted.
- Economic Growth: Four programs paused.
- Agriculture: Five initiatives affected.
- Education and Health: Four projects in each sector remain suspended.
- Democracy and Human Rights: Funding temporarily stopped.
The U.S. is the largest single donor globally, disbursing $72 billion in aid during fiscal year 2023. The pause risks cutting off billions of dollars in critical life-saving assistance to Pakistan.
U.S. officials indicated that the aid will remain suspended until a comprehensive review is completed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s memo emphasized that no new funds would be allocated until each proposed award is reviewed.
Critics, including Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, condemned the suspension as a reckless move that could lead to significant humanitarian consequences, stating, “This will kill people”.
