Pakistan's prosperity and security rely on strong democratic institutions that nurture capable political leadership, a transparent electoral system, and the ability to govern justly and accountably. USAID partners with the Government of Pakistan at the national, provincial, and local levels to build a new generation of programs that strengthen local governments and legislative institutions, support the rule of law, and encourage a credible and transparent electoral system capable of producing leaders and policy makers who can help Pakistan achieve its Millennium Development Goals.

Key Accomplishments, 2008-2010

• Groundbreaking on a new $9.3 million facility for the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.
• Support for Transparency International-Pakistan to operate an anti-fraud hotline that will facilitate public reporting of fraud, waste, and abuse in US-funded programs.
• Training of more than 2,500 parliamentarians, representatives, and secretariat staff from provincial assemblies and of public accounts committees of the National Assembly and Senate.
• Support to the Election Commission to modernize operations and improve its electoral registry.
• Training of 45,000 voter registration center officials and 600,000 polling staff for improved polling and voter registration management.
• Support for the Free and Fair Election Network in developing unified proposals for electoral reform, subsequently adopted by the Election Commission.
• Moblization of more than 87,000 citizens for budget consultations with government officials.
• Development of financial management systems in 55 tehsil municipal administrations to increase revenue and improve service delivery.
• Training of more than 12,000 municipal officials to increase public participation and use of perform-ance management tools to improve government effectiveness.

Current Projects

Pakistan Electoral Support Program
USAID furthers transparent electoral administration and electoral reform by helping the Election Commission of Pakistan modernize its election management and voter registry and improve its operations.

Municipal Services Delivery Program (MSDP)
Starting in early 2011, MSDP is helping municipalities improve essential public service delivery so as to better address Pakistanis' basic needs in vulnerable and flood-affected areas. Activities include infrastructure upgrades (e.g., safe water, sanitation, and roads), stronger government administration, and expanded grassroots citizen engagement in at least 120 communities in all four provinces.

Citizen Participation and Oversight
USAID's Strengthening Citizen Voice and Accountability program supports civil society actors who seek to take part in transparent democratic processes, including advocating for policy reform, monitoring government performance, engaging in public decision-making, and establishing effective linkages with government partners. Grants under the program also aim to improve accountability in public budgeting and service delivery.

The Gender Equity Program supports Pakistani governmental and non-governmental organizations that advance opportunities for Pakistani women and girls by encouraging gender equity in civil, political, economic, and social realms; promoting women's rights; and working toward ending gender-based violence.

The Anti-Fraud Hotline provides a mechanism for citizens to register complaints about possible fraud, waste, and abuse in USAID-funded programs throughout Pakistan and helps prevent instances of corruption.

Ambassador's Fund and Small Grants Programs
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, USAID manages the Ambassador's Fund, which supports local-self help initatives to improve basic community conditions. Similarly, the Small Grants Program funds multi-year initiatives that support citizen-led strategic development programs.