Blessing in disguise?

This letter refers to the news report ‘US temporarily halts aid to states, including allies’ (January 29, 2025). This should be considered a blessing in disguise as it will provide an opportunity to review our policies, get rid of our addiction to foreign aid. Seven decades of foreign aid has led us to near sovereign default, 40 per cent of people living below the poverty line and more than 25 million children out of school.

The continuation of more foreign aid is not likely to improve our condition. A lot of good things can be done to improve the standard of living of the poorer segments without foreign aid, such as placing out-of-school children in schools, providing hospitals and clinics in small towns and villages, providing clean drinking water, and land reforms.

Abdul Majeed

Islamabad