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Opportunities and challenges that face Pakistan’s development examined

25 February 2021

In this introductory evidence session, the Committee will hear from experts on Pakistan’s politics and international relations, exploring the opportunities and challenges that face Pakistan’s development.

Tuesday 2 March 2021 (Virtual meeting)

  • Please note there is no physical access to Parliament
  • Session will be conducted with remote participation by witnesses and Committee members

At 2.30pm

  • Dr. Farzana Shaikh, Associate Fellow, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House
  • Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow for South Asia, International Institute for Strategic Studies

Purpose of the Session

The International Development Committee has recently launched an inquiry into UK aid to Pakistan, exploring whether UK aid spending in the country is focused upon reaching communities most in need, achieving impact and delivering value for money. Pakistan’s development challenges are considerable; almost a third of Pakistan’s population lives in poverty (over 60 million people), with women most seriously affected. 22.6 million children do not go to school and half of the population, including two thirds of women, cannot read or write. One in eleven children die before their fifth birthday, every year 9,700 women die in childbirth and 44% of children under five are stunted.

Further information

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