Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Tørnæs has decided to increase Danish development assistance to Pakistan from USD 8 million (DKK 40 million) to USD 28 million (DKK 140 million) in the period 2010-2012. The aim is to contribute to development and stability in Pakistan. The decision to start development cooperation in Pakistan was taken earlier this year.
Denmark is one of the first nations to pledge to the new Multi Donor Trust Fund administrated by the World Bank and implemented by the Government of Pakistan. Denmark will pledge approximately USD 8 million (DKK 40 million). The aim of the fund is to ensure rapid and coordinated development in the crisis prone areas of Pakistan. The fund will be administrated by the World Bank.
Denmark will grant USD 12 million (DKK 60 miliion) to UNICEF’s efforts to provide education for children affected by the crisis in NWFP as well as - when the situation allows it – the FATA. These girls and boys that have been affected by conflict and are highly vulnerable and without proper schooling the risk of both poverty and radicalism increases. The assistance will contribute to rebuild the 473 schools that have been entirely or partially destroyed during the conflict.
Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Tørnæs states:
“Pakistan is a country with many challenges. Denmark is committed through the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to do our part to assist Pakistan in its effort to combat radicalization and terrorism and support the Pakistani people in its struggle. It is with particular pleasure that I can announce that Denmark will be among the first to pledge to the Multi Donor Trust Fund for NWFP, FATA and Balochistan.
Democracy and sustainable development is the only way to ensure a stable and terror-free Pakistan. The international community and Denmark is committed to help the people of Pakistan create development and democracy.”
In addition to the above-mentioned contributions, Denmark has in 2009 donated USD 3 million in humanitarian assistance to Malakand.
