PESHAWAR: Pakistan has received 396 metric tonnes of dates by Saudi Arabia through World Food Programme (WFP).
These dates are a gift of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and will be distributed among 148,000 registered families from FATA while the government’s return and rehabilitation process is well underway and is planned to conclude at the end of this year.
The distribution of dates commenced in Jalozai camp in the presence of Deputy Head of Mission of the Saudi Embassy, Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Khalidi, officials of the government of Saudi Arabia, KP PDMA Director Israr Khan, FDMA Director Operations Dr Qasim Ali Khan, Ministry of SAFRON Deputy Secretary Mirza M Sana-ul-Haque and EAD Section Officer Dr Haseeb Shahbaz Amin and WFP Pakistan Representative Lola Castro.
The deputy head of the mission reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continue supporting relief efforts for the affected communities of FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “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.
WFP representative briefly highlighted WFP’s projects in the area along with future plans of transition towards sustainable food security in the region. “WFP welcomes this donation and we look forward to continuing and broadening the partnership with the Saudi Government. Dates are an instant source of nutrition as they provide a range of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
