Pakistan's Humanitarian Response Plan 2021 launched today

Dunya News

Pakistan's Humanitarian Response Plan 2021 launched today

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan s Humanitarian Response Plan for the current year was launched in Islamabad today (Wednesday) with a commitment to provide basic necessities and services to all residents of the country, in all situations, without any discrimination.

The HRP was launched in collaboration with the United Nations.

Addressing the launching ceremony, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the plan is intended to strengthen Pakistan s capacity in the prevention, preparedness and response to disasters including through the provision of relief services by building cross-institutional and stakeholder linkages.

He said the government is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy, focusing on the health as well as socio-economic aspects. A national coordination mechanism was established, which continues to guide our COVID-19 response, based on evidence and scientific methodology.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said we are undertaking efforts for universal vaccination, without any discrimination and we are confident of achieving our goal of vaccination for all.

He said we are aiming at forging partnerships in the field of agriculture, health, renewable technologies, building resilience of the host communities and businesses, and strengthening institutional capabilities to predict and respond to emergencies.

Regarding hosting of millions of Afghan Refugees, the Foreign Minister said we opened our hearts and homes for them. He said inclusive treatment has been granted to all categories of Afghans during the pandemic as well, with full access to hospitals, doctors, paramedics and medicines. He said our vaccination drive is fully inclusive, catering for Pakistani and non-Pakistani citizens alike, including Afghan refugees. He called for renewed commitments and pledges to bridge the gap between the rising number of refugees and the dwindling resources available for their protection, well-being, and repatriation.