Large aid package for Pakistan

Islamabad: Large civilian aid package for Pakistan from US authorities are expected this Monday. It is an attempt to show that Washington has extended its relationship with Pakistan and its not just anti-terror partner but now helping the people of Pakistan.

According to a senior US Official "The (Obama) administration didn't feel good about what we inherited in Pakistan. We felt the relationship was much too much transactional," and ""No country is more important to us than Pakistan ... This represents a sea-change in our approach."

This aid is a result of most waited US legislation, Kerry-Lugar Bill entitling Pakistan for an aid of $1.5 billion a year for the next five years. This package will include projects for public welfare and some main issues like work on dams, irrigation system, clean drinking water systems and health clinics.

"Eighteen months into this (Obama) presidency, we've identified the problems, got the money from Congress, and now you've got the plans together," said the U.S. official. "It's a very big deal."

After meeting with Clinton, Pakistan's President, Asif Zardari said: "We are keen to meet the energy (shortage) challenge head on and pursue policies of public-private partnership to promote investment and production to create jobs and wean away the frustrated youth from resorting to extremism."