ISLAMABAD: The government is making efforts to calculate the loss borne by Pakistan’s economy in the last 12 years after becoming an ally of the US in its war against terrorism since 9/11, 2001, it was learnt.
These mindboggling figures, which are in the process of finalisation, might be released in the upcoming Economic Survey 2012-13, which will be launched just ahead of next budget announcement.
The decision to insert latest estimates on war on terror will be taken by the incoming government of the PML-N but official circles confirmed that efforts are underway to come up with latest estimates on total losses.
According to initial and rough estimates, the losses incurred by different sectors of Pakistan’s economy in the last 12 years might go close to $100bn mark.
In return, Pakistan had so far received around $15bn through official channels on account of over $10bn in shape of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) compared to official losses of $68bn until fiscal year 2010-11, so only 14 percent losses were reimbursed by the US.
In the head of military assistance in shape of FMF (Foreign Military Fund), Pakistan received $2.1bn, grants for the economy to the tune of $1.5bn, budgetary support of $1.2bn and debt write-off $1.5bn.
However, it is not yet known that how much amount the US disbursed through non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international NGOs and some other initiatives such United Nations in disasters like earthquake and floods.
When spokesperson for the US embassy was contacted on Monday, she said that the US provided $3.5bn assistance to Pakistan since October 2009 in shape of civilian and military aid but it did not include reimbursement amount of CSF.
She concluded by promising to share overall assistance being provided by the US to Pakistan on all heads including CSF, civil and military assistance and all kinds of initiatives since 9/11, 2001 within coming week.
A senior official who is involved in the budget making process said that the Foreign Office was taking lead on this subject.
Internews
