S Arabia provides 878 tons dates for 350,000 vulnerable people

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has provided 878 metric tons of dates to the World Food Programme (WFP) Pakistan for assistance to cover 350000 vulnerable people. A gift from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the dates will be distributed over a period of three months. 

The dates will diversify WFP’s food basket provided to the temporarily displaced people (TDP) of Fata and vulnerable community members engaged in WFP livelihood interventions throughout Pakistan. Part of this contribution will also be provided to pregnant and nursing women and children to give those additional vitamins and minerals that are essential for normal growth, development and overall wellbeing.

Approximately 439000 rations of 2kg will be shared with 58343 families in various parts of the enrolled in WFP nutrition and livelihood programme. 

The dates were handed over to WFP during a ceremony at the embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad in the presence of ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan and the acting country director of the WFP Pakistan. On the occasion the ambassador reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the continual support of affected communities of Pakistan. “Saudi Arabia has close brotherly relations with Pakistan and the wellbeing of the people of Pakistan is of great importance to the Kingdom,” he said. 

“The WFP welcomes this donation and extends its gratitude to the Saudi government for its generous contribution. The dates bring deity diversification to the food basket of those most in need. These dates come as a gift for thousands of families throughout Pakistan during the Holy month of Ramazan and beyond,” said the WFP acting country director. 

The WFP is world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year WFP assists some 80 million people in 80 countries.