ReliefWeb

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has announced the release of 26,000 metric tons of wheat for distribution in Pakistan by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The contribution, valued at US$10 million, comes at a critical time when funding shortages are threatening WFP’s ability to provide emergency food assistance to almost 1 million people displaced by violence in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

“This contribution is greatly welcomed and demonstrates the government of Pakistan’s commitment to ensure the continuous food security of vulnerable Pakistanis,” said Lola Castro, WFP Country Director and Representative in Pakistan. “The actual contribution will ensure that from May through August, we can continue to provide nutritious food to those in need.”

WFP requires US$5.6 million in additional donations to cover the cost of milling, fortifying and distributing the wheat.

“The government of Pakistan continues to be a major and consistent donor to WFP for its operations in the country. This could serve as a model for other governments looking for ways to support people in need,” Castro added.

WFP works with the government of Pakistan to address food security and nutrition needs in the country by aligning its strategies with national priorities. WFP aims to provide food assistance for 8.3 million people in Pakistan between 2013 and 2015 at a total cost of US$565 million, with projects to improve economic opportunities and promote social inclusion in FATA, boost community resilience in disaster-prone areas, and address nutrition and education needs in the country.

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting against hunger worldwide. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries.

Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media; @WFPakistan

For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org): Amjad Jamal, WFP/Islamabad.+92 51 8312270 Mob: +92 300 850 0989