AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
MEDIA RELEASE
Australia provides urgent food aid to Pakistan
28 May 2008
Australia will provide $ 9.25 million to help address severe food shortages and improve access to health and education services and livelihood opportunities for one million Pakistanis.
The Australian High Commissioner, HE Zorica McCarthy, said the Australian Government accords a high priority both to meeting humanitarian needs and supporting the Government of Pakistan, and was pleased to respond to an urgent request from the World Food Programme and the Government of Pakistan.
“This significant contribution will target the poorest and most marginalised populations in Balochistan and FATA.
“The food aid will be not only improve the health status of children and women, but will also increase access to education through on-site nutrition at schools, including the provision of take home rations for girls and boys attending primary school.”
“Food-for-work and food-for-training programs will also provide desperately needed skills and economic opportunities for residents of the border areas.”
Balochistan and FATA are amongst the most poorly-developed and food-insecure regions of Pakistan. The decline in rainfall over the past decade has reduced agricultural incomes and employment opportunities. When combined with the critical security situation and the lack of viable economic alternatives, livelihood options for the poor have been significantly reduced.
“The border areas have suffered from years of insecurity and lack of development opportunities. Enhancing economic development opportunities and improving access to quality health and education services is crucial to reversing this situation,” said Ms McCarthy.
The Australian Government provides assistance to Pakistan in partnership with the Government of Pakistan. Bilateral programs focus on improving health and education, building agricultural linkages between Australia and Pakistan, and providing of scholarships at Australian institutions.
Australia will provide an estimated $25 million in development assistance to Pakistan in 2007-08 and plans to significantly increase its aid program in future years.