Efforts for disaster mitigation under way: President Dr Arif Alvi

Islamabad :President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday said Pakistan was one of the most affected countries hit by climate change and the government was working with all stakeholders to launch projects regarding disaster mitigation, adaptation and risk reduction.

Talking to a delegation of Islamic Relief Worldwide led by CEO Naser Haghamed here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president said the government believed in inclusive and sustainable development and invited IRW to support the ongoing Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme of the Higher Education Commission.

President Alvi said Pakistan faced a series of humanitarian challenges from an earthquake in 2005 to floods in 2010 and 2011, but with support of partners, overcame the challenges.

The President appreciated the role played by Islamic Relief Worldwide especially in the social sector of Pakistan. He emphasized that mosques could play a pivotal role in highlighting as well as addressing social issues such as women empowerment, climate change, population control, unhealthy lifestyle, and hardships of people with disabilities.

He appreciated Islamic Relief's support to Government institutions in various domains including health, disaster risk reduction, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and education.

He urged Islamic Relief to work in collaboration with the local health departments for the provision of necessary resources and infrastructure in order to help the government provided free health services to the most deserving segments through its Sehat Sahulat programme.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) was established in 1984 by Dr Hany El-Banna in response to the famine in Africa with offices in 40 countries.