Attachment___5_-_J.14_-_USAID_Pakistan_Strategy_2018-2023_-_CDCS_-_COM_Amendment_1.pdf

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Pakistan Strategy 2018-2023

USAID works in concert with the U.S. Department of State on behalf of the American people to “promote and demonstrate democra�c values abroad and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world” (as ar�culated in the State-USAID Joint Strategic Plan). USAID’s Pakistan development strategy defines USAID’s development assistance priori�es for Pakistan, supports Pakistan in driving its own development journey towards self-reliance, and directly supports the U.S. President’s South Asia Strategy.

USAID has the goal of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pakistan and aims to achieve the following objec�ves:

1. Expanded writ of government along the Afghanistan/Pakistan (AF/PAK) border region

2. Strengthened capacity to prevent violent extremism in key areas

3. Increased private-sector led inclusive economic growth

Development Hypothesis USAID posits that if ci�zen confidence in Pakistan’s government ins�tu�ons increases, along with social tolerance and the ability of communi�es to resist extremist influences, and private-sector led economic growth is strengthened, then Pakistan will become more stable. To best effect this change, USAID is focusing on select geographic areas along the AF/PAK border region (especially, but not exclusively, the FATA/Newly-Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), southern Punjab, northern Sindh, and Karachi as well as engaging youth, women, and the private sector as drivers of innova�on, economic growth, and stability.

1 Writ of government refers to the physical or spa�al presence of the State through law enforcement in all geographical areas and the ability to ensure compliance with the cons�tu�on and laws of the land. Key state responsibili�es include: personal security, dispute adjudica�on, conflict resolu�on, socio-economic service provision (i.e. health and educa�on) and human rights guarantees.

2 FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) is now officially referred to as the Newly Merged Districts (NMD) as of August 2018.

USAID/Pakistan Strategy

Development Objective (DO) 1: Expanded Writ of Government along the AF/PAK Border Region

The AF/PAK border region has a history of disenfranchisement, corrup�on, poverty, and a lack of basic social services. The region has also historically hosted some of the world’s most ac�ve violent extremist organiza�ons, resul�ng in vulnerability and displacement of the local popula�on, par�cularly for young men and women. As such, USAID will increase women’s voices, par�cipa�on, and representa�on. A focus on civic engagement and basic service delivery will strengthen government legi�macy by improving local communi�es’ confidence and trust and preven�ng the con�nued exploita�on of tribal systems by violent extremists.

Ac�vi�es will bolster livelihoods, cul�vate entrepreneurship, and link remote areas with the larger economy.

Ac�vi�es will also support Pakistani reforms in the FATA/Newly-Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NMD) area, which include the extension of Pakistani laws and the judicial system to FATA/NMD, as envisaged under the Cons�tu�on. Expansion of rule of law, strengthened legi�macy of government ins�tu�ons, and viable economic opportuni�es will lead to increased stability in the region.

DO 2: Strengthened Capacity to Prevent Violent Extremism in Key Areas

The marginaliza�on of different groups, weak governance structures, gender-based discrimina�on, low civic engagement, shrinking civil society space, limited access to produc�ve livelihoods, and lack of quality educa�on are among the drivers of extremism and instability in Pakistan. The areas of southern Punjab, northern Sindh, and Karachi are of par�cular concern. In response, USAID seeks to iden�fy opportuni�es to strengthen the capacity of local governments and targeted communi�es to proac�vely address these risks in a sustainable manner and support Pakistan’s self-reliance. USAID will strengthen respect for and tolerance of marginalized groups, expand women’s empowerment, and support alterna�ve dispute resolu�on to help ensure peace and increase resilience. USAID ac�vi�es will support Pakistan in improving the availability and equitable distribu�on of basic services and strengthen the role of official ins�tu�ons.

DO 3: Increased Private-Sector led Inclusive Economic Growth

To support sustainable and inclusive growth, essen�al for stability and self-reliance, USAID will invest in ac�vi�es that address Pakistan’s youth bulge; increase access to energy; and catalyze private-sector growth, investment, and trade. Efforts will focus on crea�ng an open trade and investment environment, including for U.S. businesses, while encouraging domes�c resource mobiliza�on, with an emphasis on private sector partnerships. USAID will also increase climate-smart agricultural produc�vity and profitability; promote market connec�vity; facilitate entrepreneurship, job genera�on, networking, skills development, and innova�on; and increase women's and vulnerable communi�es’ labor force par�cipa�on .