Trump’s Decision to Halt U.S. Aid Funding Impacts Pakistan’s Development Projects and Employment

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to halt U.S. aid funding has resulted in the freezing of several aid programs worldwide, including those in Pakistan. As a result, over $845 million worth of U.S. aid projects in Pakistan have been suspended, putting hundreds of Pakistani jobs at risk, while those relying on these funds face significant consequences.

According to experts, the halt in U.S. aid could have a profound effect on various sectors in Pakistan, particularly education and public health. Dr. Farukh Saleem, an economic expert, explained that U.S. aid funds are often siphoned off to U.S.-based consultants, with only a fraction reaching the intended countries. He cited examples of large-scale projects in Pakistan, including a $30 million road construction project that was never completed, as a result of mismanagement and fraud.

Dr. Saleem further pointed out that U.S. aid’s political funding, such as the $21 million granted to political parties to “teach democracy,” also yielded little tangible impact. He argued that ordinary Pakistanis would not be greatly affected by the aid suspension, as much of the funding never directly reached the public due to corruption.

On the other hand, social activist Dr. Farzana Bari noted that the suspension would have significant negative effects, particularly in the education sector, where U.S. funding had been a crucial source of support. She also mentioned the suspension of WHO funding, which could disrupt critical health programs in Pakistan, such as polio vaccination campaigns and support for disabled individuals.

Dr. Bari added that the cessation of U.S. aid would have a domino effect on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are heavily reliant on foreign donors. As a result, there will likely be an increase in unemployment and a decrease in essential services provided by these organizations.

Furthermore, some NGOs have already suspended their activities. A consultant working with one such organization mentioned that the U.S. aid-funded project they were working on had been put on hold for 90 days, affecting numerous employees directly tied to the project. Although other donor-funded projects continue, the freeze on U.S. aid has left many workers uncertain about their future.

The uncertain future of U.S. aid projects has raised concerns about whether they will be resumed, with beneficiaries being informed that they will no longer receive the support they were previously receiving. The suspension has left local organizations unable to mobilize funds on their own, exacerbating the challenges faced by these programs.

In response, some experts suggest that the government should assess the effectiveness of NGOs receiving U.S. funding and consider providing support to those performing well through local funding. However, many believe that the government will not step in to fill the gap left by the suspended aid.

As the 90-day period unfolds, the impact of the suspension is expected to become clearer, with both the local population and NGOs facing uncertainty about the future of these vital programs.