By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: The Pakistan Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has announced the release of 26,000 metric tons of wheat for distribution in Pakistan by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The contribution, valued at USD 10 million, comes at a critical time when funding shortages are threatening WFP’s ability to provide emergency food assistance to almost 1 million people displaced by violence in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
In a statement, Lola Castro, WFP Country Director and Representative in Pakistan said, “This contribution is greatly welcomed and demonstrates the government of Pakistan’s commitment to ensure the continuous food security of vulnerable Pakistanis. The actual contribution will ensure that from May through August, we can continue to provide nutritious food to those in need.”
WFP requires USD 5.6 million in additional donations to cover the cost of milling, fortifying and distributing the wheat.
“The government of Pakistan continues to be a major and consistent donor to WFP for its operations in the country. This could serve as a model for other governments looking for ways to support people in need,” Castro added.
WFP works with the government of Pakistan to address food security and nutrition needs in the country by aligning its strategies with national priorities. “WFP aims to provide food assistance for 8.3 million people in Pakistan between 2013 and 2015 at a total cost of USD 565 million, with projects to improve economic opportunities and promote social inclusion in FATA, boost community resilience in disaster-prone areas, and address nutrition and education needs in the country,” the statement added.
(Aslam Chandio is an Islamabad based journalist. He tweets at @aslamchandio_ )