The BBC has reported that Britain has doubled aid to Pakistan to nearly $1 billion over the next three years. The three main recipient are the areas of education, poverty reduction, health care, including the North West Frontier. 

It remains to be seen whether a new strategy will help build state capacity in a climate of political uncertainty. Pressure continues to mount against President Musharraf but the lack of legitimate political alternatives, the continued struggle with militants in the NWFP, the troubles along the Afghan border and continued nationalist sentiments in areas such as Balochistan leaves the prospects for a strong Pakistani state bleak.

While increased aid is certainly needed, it remains to be seen whether aid initiatives will change the status quo…