Pakistan has received billions of dollars in external development assistance but has made little evident improvement in its social indicators. So Much Aid, So Little Development offers a fresh explanation for this outcome. Samia Altaf follows one major initiative, the Social Action Program developed by the Pakistani government in 1992 and funded by the World Bank to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. In an engrossing account that reads almost like a novel, at times hilarious, at others heart-breaking, she tells the story of the program’s failure through a series of eyewitness vignettes. Along the way she introduces the reader to layer after layer of the Pakistani bureaucracy as well as to the workings of donor agencies. In the process, Altaf introduces into the development conversation the human dimension that is missing in most other accounts.

“A must-read for anyone working in development.”

—Claudia R. Williamson, Regional Studies

“I do very much hope Dr Altaf’s book will be used in courses on development theory and practice, not only in Pakistan but worldwide.”

—Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Stockholm University

“Insightful and highly readable narrative.”

—Sakuntala Narasimhan, New Internationalist

“An engrossing account, at times hilarious, at others heartbreaking.”

—Steve Goddard, History Wire

“This is a remarkable book.”

—John W. Sewell, former president of the Overseas Development Council

Publisher: Folio Books
Publishing date: August 2025
ISBN: 978-969-7834-76-1
Binding: Paperback
Rights: World
Availability: In Stock