Foreign aid to Pakistan by the US has been put on hold for reevaluation after an executive order from President Donald Trump, affecting many major projects. The USAID projects, among others, have been affected, and this includes the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a global project aimed at cultural heritage preservation. AFCP provides help in conserving historic buildings, archaeological sites, museum collections, and traditional cultural expressions, including indigenous languages and crafts.
The suspension also stopped five energy sector projects, including the Power Sector Improvement Activity and Clean Energy Loan Portfolio Guarantee Program. Four economic growth-related projects also fell, among them the Social Protection Activity which will close its doors in 2025.
Health, agriculture, food security, climate, education, and democracy programs are also among those affected by the Trump order. Some of them will be canceled or have their budgets heavily reduced, while the total amount of suspended projects is not yet known.
The US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said this halt is consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning US Foreign Aid. She quoted Secretary Marco Rubio, who pointed out that each program funded has to answer three critical questions: “Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”