Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah on Friday said the government, under the vision of Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was implementing comprehensive social protection programmes to ensure quality healthcare, education and sustainable livelihood opportunities for deserving citizens across the country.

The minister made these remarks during his visit to the headquarters of the Zakat Foundation of America in Chicago, where he was accompanied by Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago Zaman Mehdi, said a news release issued here.

Highlighting the performance of his ministry, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said institutions working under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety were implementing targeted initiatives for poverty reduction, financial inclusion, skills development, healthcare, education and social welfare to improve the lives of vulnerable families.

Upon arrival, the minister was warmly received by Zakat Foundation of America Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Demir, Advisor Planning and Development, Farukh Raza and members of the Foundation’s team.

During the visit, Khalil Demir gave a detailed presentation on the Foundation’s global humanitarian work, informing the minister that the organization was operating in more than 40 countries. He said its programmes included orphan care, disaster relief, education for out-of-school children, provision of clean drinking water, skills development, rehabilitation services, mental health support and a broad range of humanitarian initiatives.

The federal minister thanked the Zakat Foundation of America for inviting him to participate in the Turkish Cultural Festival and lauded the organization’s humanitarian services around the world. He particularly appreciated the Foundation’s welfare initiatives in Pakistan and acknowledged its contribution to supporting vulnerable communities.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in poverty alleviation, human development and social welfare in Pakistan. At the conclusion of the visit, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah invited the leadership of the Zakat Foundation of America to visit Pakistan. Prominent members of the Pakistani diaspora in Chicago also attended the event.

Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday held its eighth consecutive session to assess the nationwide monsoon situation, review ongoing rescue and relief operations, and strengthen preparedness measures as fresh rainfall is forecast across northern and central Pakistan.

The meeting, held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) at NDMA headquarters, was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo attended the session at NEOC, while Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, provincial chief secretaries, NDMA chairman, senior federal officials, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other response agencies’ officials joined physically and virtually.

NDMA officials briefed the committee on the latest monsoon situation, including human and infrastructure losses, ongoing rescue and relief efforts, and rehabilitation work in affected areas.

The committee was informed that rainfall was expected in northern and central parts of the country, while isolated to scattered showers were also likely in southeastern Sindh, raising concerns over further weather-related emergencies.

The National Emergencies Operations Centre also presented an updated hydrological outlook and highlighted potential hazards associated with the continuing monsoon spell.

Participants were briefed on relief operations being carried out in coordination with national and international humanitarian partners to support communities affected by heavy rains and flooding.

The committee was further informed that population growth, changing agricultural patterns, climate variability and rising temperatures were placing increasing pressure on Pakistan’s water resources, underscoring the need for improved water management and climate resilience.

Reviewing response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations, the committee acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders in protecting communities, restoring essential services and delivering relief assistance.

Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, the committee reiterated the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a swift response to any emerging situation.

Ahsan Iqbal directed all concerned departments to maintain the current operational tempo, strengthen coordination mechanisms, continue proactive preparedness measures and accelerate relief and rehabilitation activities in rain-affected areas.