Islamabad, October 1, 2009 - The Governments of United States and Pakistan today signed agreements worth $899 million in the areas of health, education, governance, and reconstruction from the 2005 earthquake. The agreements bring the total obligations to Pakistan through USAID this year to $920 million.

A substantial amount of these funds will be provided to the Government of Pakistan and local non-governmental institutions to implement programs. Included in the agreements is direct budget support of $174 million for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the income support program for internally displace persons (IDPs), and assistance to technical and vocational education activities under the Higher Education Commission.

"These agreements demonstrate the United States' enduring commitment to help Pakistan enhance the lives of its citizens through improved delivery of services," Deputy Chief of Mission Gerald Feierstein said this morning. "Under these agreements, the U.S. will increase resources to sectors that foster economic growth, including the energy sector. Much-needed assistance will also support priorities in the areas of health, education, governance, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction in areas affected by the 2005 earthquake."

These strategic agreements are in addition to the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, often referred to as the Kerry-Lugar bill, which is expected to further increase development funding for Pakistan to $1.5 billion per year for five years.