Pakistan Commits to UN Charter, Prioritizes Humanitarian Relief and Sustainable Development

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the United Nations (UN) Charter, highlighting the country's active contribution to UN work in areas such as peacekeeping, humanitarian action, and climate change. The prime minister appreciated the UN's role in supporting Pakistan's progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and expressed concern about the devastation caused by recent floods. He emphasized that humanitarian relief to affected areas was a top priority, while also directing the commencement of a joint survey to ascertain flood losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, particularly in peacekeeping, humanitarian action, and climate change.
  • The prime minister acknowledged the UN's significant role in supporting Pakistan's progress towards the SDGs and Agenda 2030.
  • A joint survey to ascertain flood losses is to be conducted in Balochistan province, starting from August 20, with a completion deadline of September 22.
  • Financial support to affected people will be distributed through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) using a biometric system, supervised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
  • The government prioritizes transparency and effective relief and rehabilitation mechanisms for flood-affected individuals.
  • Special Assistant to PM on Kashmir, Qamar Zaman Kaira, attended the meeting via video link, highlighting the government's commitment to international cooperation.
  • Julien Harneis, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan since January 2020, briefed the prime minister on ongoing UN activities, including sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, environmental protection, and food security.

Statistics:

  • The joint survey to ascertain flood losses is scheduled to commence on August 20 and complete by September 22.
  • Financial support to affected people will be distributed through BISP using a biometric system supervised by NDMA.
  • Sharif directed the implementation of measures immediately, emphasizing the importance of transparency in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Sources:

  • Shehbaz Sharif's statement on UN commitment (no specific date mentioned)
  • Briefing by Julien Harneis, UN Resident Coordinator (since January 2020)
  • Meeting with federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Maulana Asad Mahmood, and Miftah Ismail (no specific date mentioned)
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (no specific date mentioned)
  • Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) (no specific date mentioned)
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) (no specific date mentioned)