UN backs development push in south Punjab to tap economic potential

KARACHI: The United Nations is stepping up support for economic and social development in south Punjab, a region seen as critical to Pakistan’s agricultural economy, said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohammad Yahya on Saturday.

Speaking at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Yahya said the UN has over 4,000 personnel working across Pakistan and is focused on bolstering infrastructure, climate resilience, agriculture and technology in south Punjab.

“South Punjab is an important geographical area, and the UN will continue its support in tackling challenges related to climate change, technology, agriculture and other sectors,” Yahya said. He also invited business leaders from the region to Islamabad to collaborate on strategies for attracting greater investment.

The visit, led by Senate Chairman’s Adviser Misbah Khar and industrialist Ghulam M. Yahya Khar, comes amid renewed attention on underdeveloped regions of Pakistan. South Punjab lags behind much of the country in education, health and infrastructure despite its central role in agriculture.

Fernanda Thomaz, representative of the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), highlighted ongoing poverty alleviation programmes in the region. These include livestock provision to 400,000 poor women, housing for 7,300 landless women, and the operation of 40 community food banks benefitting 30,000 households across 10 districts.

MCCI President Bakhtawar Tanvir Sheikh said south Punjab still faces deep-rooted structural challenges across sectors, including agriculture, climate adaptation, and girls’ education. He urged the UN to expand its focus and support for the region. Sheikh also credited Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani with advancing several major development projects.

In their remarks, Misbah Khar and Yahya Khar called for enhanced partnerships to promote girls’ education and improve healthcare access in the region.

The event was attended by a number of local stakeholders, including Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan, MCCI Vice President Muhammad Azhar Baloch, and other business and political leaders.