Robin Raphael appointed coordinator for civilian aid to Pakistan

The Obama administration has appointed Robin Raphael, former assistant secretary of state for South Asia, as the first coordinator of America’s non-military assistance to Pakistan, which is to receive $7.5 billion in civilian aid in the next five years.

The announcement in this regard was made by secretary of state Hillary Clinton at the American Pakistan Foundation’s Inaugural Gala Benefit here yesterday.

“I have appointed Ambassador Robin Raphael the first coordinator of our non-military assistance to Pakistan,” Clinton said. “Ambassador Raphael is known to many of you from her long and distinguished service and her close ties to Pakistan over the last 30 years. She will oversee the implementation of our new Civilian Assistance Strategy, which we are designing in close consultation with the Pakistan Government,” she said.

The secretary of state said the US has significantly increased civilian aid to Pakistan to support its progress towards a stronger democracy. “We are also increasing the size of our USAID mission in Pakistan,” she said.
This week, the US House of Representatives passed the 2010 Appropriations bill, under which Pakistan would receive $1.5 billion in the fiscal 2010. In all Pakistan would receive $3.8 billion in the fiscal 2010. Under the Kerry-Lugar Act, Pakistan would receive $7.5 billion as non-military aid in the next five years.