Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani today made an urgent appeal to broaden the scope of climate resilience initiatives across Pakistan.

During a meeting with Coco Ushiyama, the Representative and Country Director of the World Food Program (WFP) for Pakistan, he emphasized that such efforts are vital to enhancing early warning systems, reinforcing resilience, and reducing the risks encountered by vulnerable communities.

Gilani underscored the dire situation faced by the nation, highlighting the devastation of agriculture, loss of livestock, and increasing poverty, particularly in South Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These challenges, he noted, necessitate immediate and sustained global support.

The Acting President called on international humanitarian bodies to provide real-time aid to ensure both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for affected populations. He stressed the significance of collaboration between the World Food Program and the Pakistani Parliament to guarantee targeted support for the communities most in need.

Acknowledging the WFP”s steadfast assistance in combating hunger and malnutrition, Gilani expressed gratitude for its relief efforts, particularly in flood-stricken regions like South Punjab. Coco Ushiyama, in response, expressed enthusiasm to partner with the Benazir Income Support Program to tackle child malnutrition and stunting. She also indicated a strong interest in working closely with Senate standing committees on health and national food security to advance these crucial sectors.