Timely measure: WFP ration scheme salvaged by wheat donation

ISLAMABAD:

A timely donation of wheat by the government to United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has saved the cash-starved world body from abandoning a food rations package for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

WFP has confirmed that it has received a donation of 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat from the government which is worth $15 million. Food rations for 1.2 million IDPs of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have thus been secured.

Owing to a shortage of funds from international donors, the WFP has already shelved school feeding and livelihood programmes in Pakistan. Furthermore, had the donation not been received, a significant cut in rations was expected for next month.

Country Director WFP Jean-Luc Siblot said, “This is a very welcome move and shows the government’s commitment to help its people who are in need of food assistance. WFP welcomes this contribution as it comes at a time when we were foreseeing a cut in rations for the IDPs.”

Facing acute shortage of funds, the WFP had reduced the quantity of pulses and biscuits from the 100 kg food package it offered to each family of the IDPs. This 100 kg package contained wheat flour, cooking oil, salt, biscuits and pulses.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2012.