Islamabad, February 21, 2022 (PPI-OT):The newly-appointed Executive Director of United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Ms. Catherine M. Russell, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today, during her first visit to Pakistan since assuming this position. UNICEF’s country programme in Pakistan as well as the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan were discussed during the meeting. The Prime Minister appreciated UNICEF’s key role for promotion and protection of rights of child, including increasing enrolment, upscaling of immunization programs, catering for child malnutrition and stunting, and improving the infrastructure of public education system.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s efforts in the social sectors, including national health coverage and Sehat cards. The Prime Minister also shared Pakistan’s perspective on the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan and the need for constructive engagement by the international community to help address them.

The UNICEF Executive Director appreciated the Government’s cooperation in the fulfillment of its mandate and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to strengthen its partnership with Pakistan. She lauded the Government’s commitment on enrolment and nutrition, and the universal health coverage initiative. UNICEF is an important development partner of Pakistan and works closely with the Government on a broad range of issues especially those related to children and women.

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