Islamabad: In a crucial meeting today at the President House, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Ms. Coco Ushiyama, the Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Pakistan, addressed the grave aftermath of recent floods that have exacerbated the threat of malnutrition and disease among vulnerable communities.
Welcoming Ms. Ushiyama, Mr. Gilani underscored the urgent need for robust international support, emphasizing that the recent catastrophic floods have left millions in dire straits, particularly in South Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The destruction of crops and loss of livestock have heightened poverty levels, necessitating immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
The Acting President highlighted the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in forming alliances to tackle shared global issues and foster national development. He stressed that strengthening collaboration between the WFP and Parliament could enhance decision-making and interventions, especially for the most affected groups.
Mr. Gilani praised the existing WFP initiatives in Pakistan, such as the Nashonuma and school nutrition programs, while advocating for their expansion in flood-impacted regions. Looking forward, he called for an extension of climate resilience projects, like the Integrated Climate Risk Management program, to mitigate risks and bolster community resilience in southern Punjab’s vulnerable regions.
Ms. Ushiyama expressed her commitment to collaborating with the Benazir Income Support Programme to combat child malnutrition and stunting. She also conveyed her intention to work closely with Senate standing committees on health and national food security to address emerging challenges in flood-hit areas.
The Acting President reiterated the critical need for mosquito nets, blankets, and other essentials in affected regions. He acknowledged the WFP’s relentless efforts to provide relief, particularly in South Punjab, and called for sustained momentum in relief and rehabilitation initiatives.
The discussion highlighted the pressing climate-induced challenges facing Pakistan, with Mr. Gilani expressing confidence in WFP’s capability to improve livelihoods, reduce hunger, and enhance community resilience in partnership with the Pakistani government and local representatives.