§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's programmes in Pakistan and Bangladesh. [130961]
§ Clare ShortThe main goal of our programmes in Pakistan and Bangladesh is systematic reduction of the unacceptably high levels of poverty which prevail in both countries. In Bangladesh, Pakistan and elsewhere we work to help them move towards the achievement of the International Development Targets. Our plans for addressing this in Bangladesh are described in our relevant Country Strategy Paper, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. In Pakistan, where our work was disrupted by last year's military coup, we are providing technical assistance to the Pakistani administration to support action to reduce poverty and corruption and support the development of genuine democracy.