PM Imran tells UN Resident Coordinator govt focused on addressing issue of malnutrition

ISLAMABAD: UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Speaking to Buhne, the prime minister said the government is especially focusing on addressing the issue of malnutrition and adulteration which were adversely impacting the growth of the young population.

Referring to the government's flagship Ehsaas Programme, PM Imran said he appreciated the technical assistance being provided by the UN agencies.

On the issue of population growth, the prime minister noted that the issue of the population was connected with primary health care and primary education. "The government is according priority to these areas," he said.

PM Imran further said the development of merged tribal areas is another key priority of the present government. “We have allocated the highest ever funds for the uplift of the merged areas.”

Highlighting the successes made in the billion tree Tsunami project, the prime minister observed that this will go a long way towards mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change in the country.

Efforts being made to eliminate polio from the country also came under discussion, he added.

The UN Resident Coordinator appreciated PM Imran’s vision and the steps taken by the government in addressing the issues which remained neglected in the past. He especially commended the efforts of the government in tackling the issue of stunted growth, improving health care and the initiative of 10 billion Tree Tsunami and Ehsaas Program.

Buhne also briefed the prime minister about the engagement of various UN agencies with relevant government departments and ministries in critical areas such as good governance, health and education, youth development, population control and addressing the issue of climate change.