Karachi: A delegation from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), led by Ms. Anita Hirsch, met with First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari in Karachi to discuss efforts to combat hunger in Pakistan. The meeting included discussions on WFP’s initiatives in nutrition, food security, and climate resilience, particularly under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. This program has assisted over three million women and children nationwide, with significant outreach in Sindh.

According to Press Information Department, the First Lady emphasized the need for an integrated approach to maternal and child health and stressed the importance of accessible pediatric healthcare. She also highlighted the necessity of addressing population growth’s impact on health and education. The First Lady expressed support for WFP’s School Meals Programme, which targets 100,000 children in government schools in Karachi, and proposed the inclusion of school-based agriculture programs. Additionally, she reiterated the importance of transitioning from disaster response to anticipatory action in light of Pakistan’s climate vulnerability. The meeting underscored the continued collaboration between the Government of Pakistan, the United Nations, and development partners to ensure food security and healthcare access for the country’s most vulnerable populations.