Concerned over rising influence of Islamic militancy on Britons, UK doubles Pak aid
3 Jul 2008, 1838 Hrs

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London, July 3 (ANI): In what is being described as the UK's concern over the influence of Islamic militancy on Britons of Pakistani origin, and its impact on British troops fighting over the border in Afghanistan, Britain has decided to double its aid to Pakistan, thereby making it the second biggest recipient of UK aid after India.

UK's International Development Minister Douglas Alexander is in Islamabad to announce that aid will double to 480 million dollars over the next three years, reported the BBC.

The move comes amid British security concerns over growing Islamic militancy in the country (Pakistan).

The aid - first agreed in 2006 - will continue to focus on poverty reduction and improving health care. But, for the first time it will be extended to the tribal areas along the border, which serve as a base for militants linked to the Taleban and al-Qaeda, added the paper.

There is also a new emphasis on education, apparently to try and counter the influence of extremist versions of Islam taught in some Islamic schools, or madrassas.

However, there are no details about how the money will be used in the tribal belt. (ANI)