Top UN official lauds PTI-led govt's efforts 'to address issues neglected in past'

UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne meets PM Imran to discuss a range of reforms, social uplift projects

ISLAMABAD: United Nations Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision and the steps taken by the present government in addressing those issues which remained neglected in past.

He commended the efforts of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in tackling the issue of stunted growth, improving primary health care, the initiative of 10 billion tree tsunami to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and launching a comprehensive poverty alleviation ‘Ehsaas’ programme in the country.

Engaged discussion with PM on reforms in governance, social policy/protection, Ehsaas programme, integration of former FATA, nutrition, population, refugees, land managment, education, health, youth policy, gender, polio, climate change & more! @UNinPak @UN_SDG https://t.co/17vz8wIRtV

— Neil Buhne (@NeilBuhne) July 31, 2019

The UN coordinator met with the premier and briefed him 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.

Development challenges: Youth-centric ideas needed to overcome

PM discussed the issue of malnutrition and stunted growth. He observed that the government was especially focusing on addressing the issue of malnutrition and adulteration which were adversely impacting the growth of young population.

Mr. Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at PM Office.
Mr. Neil Buhne briefed the Prime Minister about the engagement of various UN agencies with relevant government departments and ministries in critical areas. pic.twitter.com/rstZTKgJTL

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 31, 2019

The premier said that the development of merged tribal areas was another key priority for the present government and added that the present government has allocated highest ever funds for the uplift of the merged areas.

On the issue of population growth, the premier observed that the issue was connected with primary health care and primary education, therefore, the government was according priority to these areas.

He also highlighted the successes made in billion tree tsunami project and observed that the 10 billion tree plantation project will go a long way towards mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change in the country.