PR. No. 216/2009

Date: 01/06/2009   

REPRESENTATIVES OF UN AGENCIES MEET FOREIGN MINISTER

         
Representatives of UN Agencies in Islamabad called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi to discuss their relief efforts for the dislocated people of Swat and adjoining areas. The Group was led by Mr. Fikret Akcura of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and included representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refuges (UNHCR), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Appreciating the humanitarian work being done by the UN Agencies, the Foreign Minister underlined the need for stepping up our collective efforts towards providing every possible relief assistance to the dislocated people, especially medical facilities. The Foreign Minister said the Government was fully cognizant of its responsibilities and leaving no stone unturned to rise to the challenge with the support of the people of Pakistan.  The Foreign Minister said it was necessary to also start planning arrangements for the return and rehabilitation of the dislocated population as soon as the concerned areas were cleared of militants and miscreants.

The representatives of the UN Agencies thanked for the support being extended by the Government of Pakistan in their relief operations.  They informed the Foreign Minister that out of US$ 543 million appealed by the UN Secretary General for the relief of dislocated persons, US$ 88 million had been received and utilized.  They also commended the generous spirit of the host communities of the adjoining areas who had been at the forefront of relief work.  They stressed that it was important to also support these communities in their efforts. 

The Foreign Minister assured the UN agencies of the Government of Pakistan's continued support and of removing whatever administrative difficulties they might be facing in their relief operations.

Islamabad
1 June 2009