‘Paak Saaf Pakistan’ initiative launched: Safe drinking water and sanitation are the priority areas: Alvi

Islamabad : President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that safe drinking water and sanitation are the key priority areas of the ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ Movement.

The president was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of Procter and Gamble (P&G) Pakistan’s ‘Paak Saaf Pakistan’ initiative announcement in support of Prime Minister’s ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ Movement.

President said that ensuring the health of people requires investment in adequate infrastructure to increase access to safe and affordable drinking water as well as sanitation facilities.

“It is also very important to create awareness about conservation of water, sanitation and good health and hygiene practices at the grassroots levels. P&G deserves to be commended for making continued efforts to help improve health and hygiene of Pakistani communities. The reach and impact of its programmes to date and organization’s continued commitment towards this cause will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Pakistani people,” he said.

Under this initiative, the company will provide 50 million liters of clean drinking water, helping an estimated 250,000 people in need via its Children Safe Drinking Water programme and will create cleanliness and hand-washing awareness amongst 5 million children via its Safeguard School Education Program during next three years. An MoU was also signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Procter & Gamble Pakistan on this occasion.

In her remarks, guest of honor Minister of State for Climate Change, Zartaj Gul stressed for collaborative efforts. “Only together can we create a strong positive impact. It is deeply encouraging to note that Procter & Gamble Pakistan has been dedicated to the cause of safe drinking water and health.” She congratulated the company for its efforts and encouraged other industry leaders to also play their part.

The announcement was made by Vice President P&G Pakistan Sami Ahmed. Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul, was the guest of honor on this occasion. P&G was joined by its community partner HOPE, represented by Chairperson, Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla.

Expressing his views, Vice President, P&G Pakistan Sami Ahmed, said “Paak Saaf Pakistan umbrella brings together our efforts to help create a healthy and hygienic Pakistan through P&G corporate and brand community programs. In living up to our purpose of improving Pakistani lives, our community programs to date have improved quality of life for over an estimated 46 million Pakistanis.” He further added, “I am pleased to share that today we celebrate a new milestone of delivering 15 billion liters globally through our Children’s Safe Drinking Water program fulfilling our global 2020 commitment a year early.”

According to Water Aid, in Pakistan around 22 million people do not have access to clean water and 19,500 children under 5 years of age die every year from diarrhea caused by dirty water and poor toilets.

The P&G announced that it would also continue to play an active role in empowering children across the country to become health and hygiene champions. Safeguard’s “Healthy New Year 2019” campaign has educated young children on the importance promoting a clean, green country by engaging schoolchildren to conduct cleanliness drives across 10 major cities of Pakistan.

Since 1998, Commander Safeguard, Pakistan’s first super hero – has become an icon for children and has encouraged them to live a healthy lifestyle. In 2004, P&G launched the Safeguard School Education Programme, which has so far reached over an estimated 19 million children, creating handwashing awareness across the country.