Stop UK Aid to Pakistan

The BPCA’s reasons fall into two categories – general, and particular to their community. 

Firstly, endemic corruption in Pakistan means that there is very little traceability and accountability on aid funds there. 

Secondly, Pakistan should be able to fund itself by proper taxation.  Only 1% of its people pay tax, and even that is voluntary.  It does not actually need to rely on a cash-strapped UK for funding. 

Thirdly, a main reason for aid to Pakistan is that it is considered an ally on the war on terror.  However, there is a strong suspicion to believe that  Pakistan's government has entered into an agreement with the Taliban over the control of a major Province; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, that borders Afghanistan.  In addition the fact that America had to enter a major city and military centre in Pakistan, to find Osama bin Laden, also suggests that Pakistan is not such a strong ally against Pakistan as it postures. 

Aid that is targeted at Pakistan generally, particularly in education, will almost certainly serve to perpetuate the ongoing discrimination and oppression of religious minorities- given the fact that such discrimination is endemic and inbuilt into the fabric of Pakistani society.