ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the grant worth of approximately US$ 422.78 for supporting economic and social development projects and meeting emergency food needs arising from natural disaster/emergency conditions.
The programme titled “Transition: Towards Resilient and Food Secure Pakistan”, to operationalize WFP’s next programme in Pakistan for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018.
The MoU was signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Tariq Bajwa and Acting Country Director, WFP Stephen Gluning here.
Federal Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar witnessed the ceremony.
The WFP grant will be used for supporting economic and social development projects in Pakistan and meeting emergency food needs arising from natural disaster/emergency conditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Ishaq Dar appreciated the role of WFP as a valuable partner in relief and emergency situations.
The WFP has spent US$ 676 million under its current three-year programme which going to end on December 31, 2015.
He apprised that the government of Pakistan has contributed 455,000 Metric Tons of wheat for distribution to Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) valued at US$ 172 million.
The Acting Country Director WFP assured the government for its continuous support.
He appreciated the role of government of Pakistan as the largest host government donor in the world.
While appreciating the efforts of the government in the return and rehabilitation of the Temporarily Displaced Persons (IDPs) of military operation Zarb-e-Azb, he highlighted that the efficiency with which the government is dealing with the crisis can be used as a successful model in countries with similar situation.
Source: APP
