Islamabad, April 6, 2011 - Several news reports claim that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is withholding $250 million from the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

These reports are inaccurate. USAID has not put any funding for the HEC on hold, nor does it have any plans to do so at this time.

The United States through USAID already has provided all of its planned funding to the HEC for 2010, which amounted to $45 million. Funding for any future USAID programs will be determined later this year, when the U.S. Congress approves funding for 2011.

USAID has been working closely with the HEC to strengthen the capacity of Pakistani universities. This collaboration aims to assist Pakistan in developing a cadre of world-class experts (especially in science and technology) who can play an active role in Pakistan's economic and social development. In addition, USAID provides merit-and-need-based scholarships through the HEC for in-country higher education.

Separately, USAID provides $20 million a year to support the world's largest Fulbright scholarship program. This is implemented by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the HEC. The Science and Technology partnership with Pakistan also is implemented through the HEC.