Japan, U.S. pledge up to $1 billion each to Pakistan at donor talks

Why do I keep thinking this money will aid terror?

There go our taxes. To "help" another underdeveloped nuclear country like NK. If these people just use their money for develop their industry in place of nuclear weapons programs, then maybe they dont need our economic help. In fact, I wonder why the heck, we have to give our money if they dont give up their nukes.

The Taliban thank Japan.

Who does this money actually go to? Lets see receipts, invoices etc. Sounds like a bribe to top politicians and associates to keep their loyalty to the US.

Total waste of money. Mareo2 is right on. No country that can afford to be a nuclear power needs money from others.

Wow -- money for the Taliban... or at the very least for a government who succeeds parts of the country to Taliban rule. Meanwhile, Japanese on this board (or die-hard supporters) claim that Japan shouldn't be donating money to the UN because you "don't mess with Japan" and the UN is useless, while others pointed out that giving away money is the only thing Japan can do to receive praise and think it is relevant. Here is yet ANOTHER example of them throwing money away, but this time it's not in any way helpful except to a government that aids the Taliban, and Japan's not going to get a whole lot of praise for it (for which they'll complain later).

Good job, Japan! Hope people remember hand-outs like this when the taxes get jacked up again.

Get three sparate letters: "Thank You Japan" one each from AQ, Taliban and Govt of Pak !

The way I see this, is that is support for a system that has no respect for women to the point that they are even killed like pigs for crimes committed against themselves. Now it can not get worse than this.

I wonder how much the Communist China and Russia give to Pakistan? It is time for Japan to gain a seat in PSC of the UN.

Gift from a country with the highest borrowings as % of GDP in the world. To a country that is a mess.......

Japan will offer up to $1 billion

Japan uses yen, Pakistan uses rupee. Why the dollars?

Hi, A country has to make 1.Nukes 2.Spread it to rogue states like North Korea 3.Enact law like Nizam-e-Adl which ensures wahabism like the beating for a girl who loves a boy 4.Say to all that i want Muslim majority areas from Afghanistan and India so that i can enact Nizam-e-adl for them. 5.Black mail US adminstration by using agents like Abramoff Wow the gas prices go to $150/- so that importers like Japan are milked by Texan oil lobby. WoW i got $10 billion from Bush and Musharaff cheated on him by using Khalizad Zilmay. Now Japan and other suckers are coming to bail out my socalled social sector as i can use my own printed money to develop J10 ,UAV,Shaheen missiles with China. My missiles are larger with longer reach but i get money from Japan while it badgers North korea for doing the same thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well its sad for me to read some comments suggesting that whole Pakistan is regime of Taliban or extremists. I think most of you haven't visited Pakistan or don't have the ground reality details about it. In reality around 90% of the population of this country are moderates which want peace & harmony for all human kind irrespective of their religion, i.e. following the real teachings of Islam. Only 10% or so are extremists which are more projected by the media. So everyone of us use to see the bad side of the picture and ignores the good side.

Most of the extremists comes from the Tribal or northern area of Pakistan, and in my opinion their are 3 reasons for this: 1: Hunder or Poverty in that region 2: Foreign elements using them, who wants instable Pakistan 3: Wrong interpertation of Islam by some scholars, who only want to spread this religion by force.

If such a aid as pledged by Japan, is totally used for this region, for the development of Tribal & northern area people, then it will be very good. But unfortunately our majority of so called corrupt politicians & leaders mostly use it for their own development and just ignores the needs of these people.

I am also against the aid in the form of money to Pakistan rather we should be given aid in the form of Trade or investment opportunities. Pakistan have so many natural resources and huge intelligent work force, that if we work up to our potential, we don't need such a aid.

kyaqub

With all due respect. If they are so peace loving, I want to see them give up their nukes. Then we can talk about economic help for develop their economy.

Hi mareo2: We also believe that having Nukes will not going to benefit the development of Pakistan. But on the other hand if all the nuclear power nations having Nukes, which are also peace loving, why don't they take a lead and set an example by giving up nukes. Why governments like US or Russia & others keeping up large armory of nukes.

I think that all the world nations or the people wants a peacefull world, its just out leadership or some group of people who have some other agenda.

In reality around 90% of the population of this country are moderates which want peace & harmony for all human kind irrespective of their religion, i.e. following the real teachings of Islam.

Kyaqub, the remaining 10% control the country, not the peace lovers. And this money goes to them, to row the seed of evil in the world. I have nothing against Pakistanis in general, but its their generals that are generally involved in supporting, not the war on terror, but the 'war, with terror'.

With all due respect. If they are so peace loving, I want to see them give up their nukes

pakistan cannot afford to give up their nukes unless or until india does it first. Pakistan was forced into nuclear arm race , as india (its arch rival) stepped in first.

Nidu, you surely cannot believe that India would want to invade Pakistan if Pakistan didn't have nukes?

the remaining 10% control the country, not the peace lovers

It doesnt matter who controls and who doesnt. The most important thing is the majority what they think and whom they follow. Pakistans law enforcement people are laying down their lives in thousands fighting against taliban and al-qaeda. And the 90 percent of the peace loving people support them and hate the extremism being spread by taliban and al-qaeda. I am a pakistani and pray for their death each and every day along with millions of followers. Take some time out and visit pakistan and u will find 99 precent of the terrotry being occupied by ordinary moderate human beings. Yes, there is a version of pakistani taliban but they are facing stiff resistance from the majority who are like us. Pakistan is a home of 170 million people and taliban in pakistan are much less in number than theyakuza` in japan.

Unfortunately the majority of the population are bad for nothing and famous for nothing. The remaining are bad for everything and famous for extremism and terrorism. Mainly bec of media. I cannot say for sure what this 1 billion dollar is going to be used for. But pakistani majority for sure doesnt want it to go into the pocket of taliban, rest is all laid with the leaders. pakistani leaders must have to use this money against extremism and terrorism. They have to take the responsibility and they cannot afford to use i otherwise. Bec terrorism and extremism is nearly on the brink of destroying the economy of the whole country. Common man will suffer if they wont, common man will rise against their own leaders if the money goes else where.

India would want to invade Pakistan if Pakistan didn't have nukes?

Pakistan is not going to invade india if they didnt have nukes. You give up first we will follow the pursuit.

Netgaijin: The black sheeps can be present in a organization of any country. When I say that 10% extremists, this also includes those black sheeps present either in army, establishment or in politics of Pakistan. But the problem here is, if we say that Whole Army or whole establishment are part of extremists, than it also upsets the majority of the moderates present in it. I think the solution is: 1: With in Pakistan, the majority of maderates should take a step forward and increase their efforts to overcome such balck sheeps. 2: World Community should support the Government & Army of Pakistan to get rid of the extremists present with in them and stop the false propaganda. They should us their diplomatic channels rather to use media for it.

nidu, kyaqub: The ground reality is, it is India which is the 'front-line state' in the fight against terrorism exported from Pakistan.

Before asking India to give up nukes, make pakistan first a secular democratic country. (which is asking for too much as pakistan is the way to become a failed state)

Look at the blatant blackmail from Mr.Zardari‘If we lose, you lose,’

Absolutely, this is straight forward blackmail. ' We lose, you lose'. Meaning, ' we will blow you to smitherins if you dont pay us'. Why India has to give up Nukes? In its entire history, India has never attacked any country first. If you nuke Indians to Timbaktu, Indians will sit and think Gandhi? Why US and other countries have to give up nukes first? Of course nukes are the worst inventions in the whole world, but its 'we didnt start the fire thing', for most countries. No one wants to give up first. If a country is stable, its economy is in control, and there is no chance that terrorists will take control over your nuke arsenal, no one has to give up anything immediately. A slow consensus of the world being disarmed is already on the way, and of course there will be a nuke free day sometime. The point is, if Pakistan or NK has nuclear weapons, and are also a stable democratic country with a well to do economy, no one will ask you to give it up. Your entire country is in a mess, good innocent people are dying everyday because of your foreign policy and corrupt people who control your innocent lives. I am very much in agreement of there being a few black sheep in every cattle, but as I said, those black sheep are the ones who are in control. I will not agree that 90% of the army or the politicians are clean in Pakistan. 10% people in your country (or even the army or the political establishment for that matter)have that much power to reign and destroy and control 90%? 90% white sheep lets being towed by 10% black sheep? If you raise your voice in Pakistan, you will lose your head. Where is freedom? Talk about nukes, why spend trillions of your own money in building weapons that will one day bring your own downfall, when you can use the same money in developing, nurturing and harboring a peaceful state? Why not educate the poor, invest in manufacturing, do some good? Is there anything that is 'Made In Pakistan?' (Ahh, I know... but you wont say it, huh!)Of course, as Kyakub said, world community should support in fighting extremists, but you wont let us, would you? If we send drones inside your villages to tackle the situation, you complain. If we send our marines/commandos inside to terminate any clear and present danger, you raise the issue of human rights. Why ask for help when you cannot let us help? When India went to help Pakistan in the earthquake and opened Indian borders so the victims can come to aid camps on the Indian side, Pakistan used it to infiltrate terrorists to India. Is this from a moderate country with moderate people, or from extremists minds? How can they cross over, unless Pakistan army is in tow, and supports by cover gun fire? If the US bombs the terror camps today inside Pakistan, if the world community stands together and sends in armies to dig out and bring to justice every single terrorist inside, will you let them? The world would be free of all terror then. But no. You got to do it on your own. And you ain't doing any good till now.

All you need when you mean help is MONEY! And you know what happens to that money? Its necessary for the extremism to survive, its a well oiled machinary. Cant survive without the most important oil-- the dough.

Please do not misunderstand that anyone has anything against moderate, ordinary Pakistanis. They are, humans, as the world over. Everybody knows that. Its what the country as a whole does to the world that projects it, not what the million innocent people thinks.

wow netgaijin what a read lol

why would they give money that they dont have? idiots much

"With all due respect. If they are so peace loving, I want to see them give up their nukes. Then we can talk about economic help for develop their economy."

lol what a lame argument, plenty of other countries with nukes... also some famous for their shoot first ask questions later mentality.. they used to be more clever.

Hi Netgaijin: Well we should get out of this India<-->Pakistan thing and need to focus on the peace & stability of region. We also have to uncover those factors & people who doesn't want peace & developmnent in this region. Just to give you a hint, back in 80's when soviet's came in this region precisely speaking Afghanistan, who helped & supported to demolish an elected government in Pakistan and give the power to a Army General. Then who helped to plant the seeds of Taliban and support them to fight against the soviet's. At that time they said its a fight for their freedom but now same people they are using to find a reason to invade this region. You agree or not, westeren & US authorities (not the people of those countries) have a interest in this region, cuz of the rich natural resources and most importantly to tackle China & India becoming next superpower threat. Using force to stop a particular activity or extremism, is a very short term solution. The permanent solution to rectify and stop the ideaology of extremism, is through dialog, spreading real teachings of religion and to minimize the sufferings of the people. You talk about Drone attacks or the invasion / operations by international forces. Just be honest with ourselves, no one can allow anybody to come to their home, to interfere or sort out their problems. When some terrosit is attacked by a drone or the forces, most of the time the innocent people also become victims in it. Just for instance, imagine that (God Forbidden) someone attack to our house and harm our loved ones. It will make us angry and we want to take a revenge for that. That is how, the extremism is spreading in this region, due to the killings of innocent people. When you say that how it is possible that 10% black sheeps can rule the 90% moderates, its cuz: 1: For many years, moderates just didn't care what happening around them or to their country. 2: Some foreign elements / lobbies, supporting these blacksheeps for their own interests.

But things are changing now and the successfull movement for the restoration of Supreme Court judges and independent judiciary is an example of that, but we have a long way to go. We are moving towards a moderate revolution.

888naff at 07:55 PM JST - 17th April

lol what a lame argument, plenty of other countries with nukes... also some famous for their shoot first ask questions later mentality.. they used to be more clever.

Yeah, but the other countries with nukes dont go asking for money, if you need money for your empoverished and underdeveloped country dont build expensive nukes in first place like NK. That is what is realy LAME.

If Pakistan allows girls to be flogged in public for holding hands of a boy, gang rape for marrying out of destined marriage, shot in the head for not wearing burkha...if you try to use logic with these people, they will spit in your face. If you dont have a beard, their arguement is 'face off'. How will you argue? There is only negotiation with fundamentalist. First I say please, then its one down under.

Anyway, we know things are changing. We just hope things are changing for better. Good luck, the whole world is with you.

Or as your man said, 'if we lose, you lose'. WE NEVER LOSE. WE ARE THE HUMANITY. We will survive. Tell the goat that. Or he can go stuff himself.

The worst thing is that Pakistan and India got 3 wars, both have nukes and both ask foreigner help for combat their poverty. Why you both dont start buriying the hate and mistrust and use "your" money in schools and hospitals in place of nukes?

Yet again such news sided with a biased discussion of who is right and wrong. If Pakistan has nukes does it look it they will use it? No. Does it look like India will use it? No. So what is the problem. Quoting Zardari's statements is a foul play, you cant be serious 40 other nations bowed to him just because he said something like "If we lose, you lose." If Yes then he should have said it long time before. Netgaijin, Pakistan doesn't allow things to happen, they just happen and it is trying to control it. Again, terrorism is not Exported by Pakistan as 'biode' said. Where do you guys get your news from, please share the source and enlighten us.

Does anybody now about the sri lankan cricket team attack in Lahore, Pakistan. Does anybody now about Manawan Police station Attack in Lahore, Does anybody now about around 600 bomb blasts in Pakistani mosques (prayer places)? This is what is the real face of Inida, whose agenda is to break up the pakistan so that no one can talk and focus on Kashmir issue. If Pakistan didnt have nukes then india would have attacked Pakistan in 1999, 2002 or in 2008. These are the nukes which keeps away Indian from Pakistan. Does anybody has answer that why India has opened 13 couslates with Pakistan border in Afghanistan? India is sprading terror activities in Pakistan thruough their these conslates. I am a Pakistani and don't give a shit to taliban and al-qaida. This is not our actual face. If u wana see our actual face then dont watch it from media but visit Pakistan which is totally different then the media propoganda. We are very peacefull and loving people. We have best visiting sites of the world in our Northern areas. We have a rich history of fine art. We dont hate non-muslims infact we give respect to them and their religion. We believe in religion indipendance.

We have "Made in Pakistan" : Cotton cloth (simply the best), we have big sports industry (Sialkot industry, biggest in ISPO Germay exibition) we develop software for our own idustry and as well as for export puposes, on large scal.

Netgaijin, why India had nukes long before Pakistan? If India is never the first country to attack then what possible threat you saw in making these bombs? Surely, your answer cannot be a possible threat from Pakistan in future.

India has stopped taking loans for poverty. Indians take active part in donating to poor nations. Indians even sent a container of food and reserves to the US during the cyclones. Indians were the first to reach Srilanka during the Tsunami and had three ships full of supplies reach them before others woke up to the tragedy. And to China during the quake, but as expected, Chinese refused all foreign aid. India has corruption and cheating at all levels in the country, but so does every other country. Hospitals? Have you heard of medical outsourcing? People from world over come to India for world class treatment at economical prices. Even many children from Pakistan itself has been treated in premium cardiac hospitals in India. Do a small google and you will find out. Schools? Indian educational institutes attract students from each and every corner of the world. India is still poor, but India is growing very fast. She will certainly grow faster if it was not for her freindly neihborhood.

So you are saying there is no poverty in India?

India has stopped taking loans for poverty.

We have "Made in Pakistan" : Cotton cloth (simply the best), we have big sports industry (Sialkot industry, biggest in ISPO Germay exibition) we develop software for our own idustry and as well as for export puposes, on large scal.

And a recent inclusion in a Guiness book world record for a pakistani student

http://www.pak-times.com/2009/02/10/moin-made-world-record-by-getting-%E2%80%98a%E2%80%99-in-21-sub/

If Pakistan if doing so well... then you dont really need 1 billion dollars from the USA and another 1 billion dollars from Japan. Keep your nukes and we americans and japanese use that money for help "our" unemployed.

To Mareo, If America and Japan are so close then why they were politically far apart during World War 2? I am hoping your statements about Pakistan will change in 50-60 years from now.

To mareo, good point and I think the job issue should be dealt for the whole world where people can also afford a small house and not just limited to America and Japan. You do know America is trying Chinese investments for long term basis (in Trillions) so $5b out of these Trillions is not a bad deal specially when multiple countries are contributing. Its only giving another small country a chance to self-develop. Btw, I am 30 years old and I care more about the forgotten people.

Here is yet ANOTHER example of them throwing money away, but this time >it's not in any way helpful except to a government that aids the >Taliban, and Japan's not going to get a whole lot of praise for it (for >which they'll complain later). Good job, Japan! Hope people remember hand-outs like this when the taxes >get jacked up again.

Now that the article has been amended to include Japan AND the United States the above seems pretty silly doesn't it?

I would not give Pakistan a cent! Not when it is hurtling down a road towards religious fanaticism and dogma-based law....Pakistan has failed to become the nation it promised to be at independence. Another Islamic basket-case! Do not feed!

Fight against terrorism is not Pakistan's war. Its American war so America and his allies should pay for it, why Pakistan? Whereas Pakistan already have lost its $37 b in this war. Pakistan cannot afford more. If America and his allies dont pay for it, then Pakistan wount fight more as Pakistan doesnt have threat from terrorists, But only America and his Allies have.

They could spend this money for education of people in Pakistan. But instead it will be used for the corrupt and useless military chiefs and intelligence service. Who is fighting extremism in Pakistan?! How can you fight it when people are being brainwashed by crazy masters of the Taliban?

It is the Taliban that really need this money, not corrupt politicians. This can create jobs for them, allow education, increase their standard of living and bring them closer to the 21st century. To remove the extreme contrast in society will bring peoples together so we can all co-exist in peace.

Why? Tell them to divert some of their nuclear weapon funds to help their people perhaps?

Kaisern at 12:44 AM JST - 18th April Fight against terrorism is not Pakistan's war. Its American war so America and his allies should pay for it, why Pakistan?

Yes, its not Pakistan's war. Why should Pakistan pay for something that is actually 'Made in Pakistan'? Why? Its American war, because America has to pay for the the war that developed in a country far away killing not only Americans but people around the world, including Pakistanis.

And that's it, right?

finally japan is doing what america tells it to do. good.

I think Pakistan has been given a bigger task then they could handle, i think the pressure of america and the big responsibility of stabilizing not only pakistan but Afghanistan aswell.

pakistan is a very young nation and very poor one too, i think japan has finally took the lead and provided help to a nation who is fighting a full waged war on terror against terrorism breeding inside the country.

poverty is a huge cause in Taliban insurgency and recruitment of extremists, the people have no where to look, but if pakistan can use this money and provide safety and shelter it can improve the confidence of the people to believe in the pakistani government.

This is not an islamic war and is not for an islamic cause, the taliban and al-qaeda are a bunch of nutcases greedy for land and money.

I would not give Pakistan a cent! Not when it is hurtling down a road towards religious fanaticism and dogma-based law.

you wouldnt, but thats difference between you and our Prime Minister Taro Aso, Pakistan is loosing billions in this war and it is a country full of poverty.

This is first type of conference for pakistan and for japan to take the lead shows a sign of awareness and support japan has for Pakistan knowing how important it is to stabilize the nation, Pakistan is the only real Allie against terrorism in south asia and it is USA's job to help pakistan since what was once a proxy war for america has now become a full waged war.

war? america has already won.

Maryhinge:

" Why do I keep thinking this money will aid terror? "

Because it will. Pakistan´s military has diverted ressources to help the jihadists for a long time, and why shouldn´t it? It is riddled with jihadists, and since islam is written into Pakistans constitution, moderates have no intellectual platform to oppose the islamists.

Haruhide:

" provided help to a nation who is fighting a full waged war on terror against terrorism breeding inside the country. "

Yeah, right. Fighting a war on terror by ceding North Waziristan and the Svat valley to the Taliban... who are already in the process of taking over the next valley over.

Just the way to "fight against terrorism", groan...