US taxpayers give $2 billion but only two million Pakistanis pay taxes: Clinton

The American taxpayers have delivered 2 billion dollars to Pakistan as assistance, but it is very unfortunate that only 2 million people in Pakistan pay taxes with a total population of 190 million. Hillary Clinton, USA Secretary of State, said this while addressing students and civil society representatives of Pakistan here on Friday.
She said that the USA is committed to help Pakistan economically but does not want to provide the assistance as charity. "USA wants Pakistan to be a partner in the Afghanistan peace process. So, there is need to build pressure on the terrorists and convince them for the table talks. That would be helpful in achieving peace in Afghanistan and the region," she added.
She emphasised that political and economic progress of Pakistan depends on its relations with its neighbours as well. Hillary said that there was no Blackwater. It had split, and some of its contractors had joined other organisations including Xe, which is a group of private contractors. "USA also hires private contractor for providing security to its diplomats", she said.
She said that for some security reasons, it could not be confirmed that Xe personnel are not in the country. "USA understands the economic troubles faced by Pakistan in war against terrorism as the country paid a heavy price in anti-terror war, while Pakistan's stance regarding Afghanistan is also quite right", Hillary added. She said that the Plan-A of USA is to overcome trust deficit between Pakistan and the US, and try to make progress together. "There is frustration on both sides but we cannot give up." She confirmed that "I will be standing in Congress next week where I would try to be a strong voice of Pakistan".
She said that the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India would help the cause of Pakistan a lot. She said that commitment to security of Afghanistan is to be guaranteed by all its neighbours. Hillary said the road network would do wonders for fulfilment of energy needs of the regional players including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, India etc.
Regarding delay in establishment of reconstruction opportunity zones (RoZs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, US Secretary of State agreed that there might be resistance from the US Congress. "Everyday, negative stories full of accusations were projected in the Pakistani media and it was hard to respond to each and every news item. We also have same issues in the US media," she added. "We are in talks stage due to resurgence of Taliban movement in Afghanistan. USA wants to talk, but is not sure that there would be willingness on the other side (Taliban) as well", she said.
.The Secretary of the State emphasised that "there is an understanding that terrorists are embedded in civilian areas, which are safe havens for them. Any person who commits crime be eliminated. Drones are not an issue hurting Pakistan-US relations". She also agreed to the resolution of the all parties conference that called for giving peace a chance while US desires to talk with those who wish to discuss a way forward.
She agreed that increased trade would benefit both Pakistan and USA, but there were lots of differences between the two countries and it is the need of the hour to do more on urgent basis. To help overcome the energy crisis, USA would help add 1000 MW of electricity through American entrepreneurs, she said, adding that they have been helping through consultations for the past two and a half years.