United Nations in Pakistan

Pakistan affirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its own national development agenda through a unanimous National Assembly Resolution in 2016. Since then, the country has made considerable progress by mainstreaming these goals in national policies and strategies and developing an institutional framework for SDGs implementation in Pakistan. SDG support units have been established at federal and provincial levels with the planning institutions (Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and Provincial Planning and Development Departments) to guide SDGs implementation and monitoring it progress. In 2018, the Government designed and approved a National SDGs Framework that envisages a national vision to prioritize and localize SDGs. Localized provincial SDG Frameworks are being formulated. The focus of the government is on mainstreaming SDGs in planning processes, ensuring strong monitoring and reporting on SDGs, ensuring public financial allocations are aligned to SDGs and alternate financing modalities are being explored, and to benefit from use of technology to accelerate progress towards SDGs.

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Publication

22 May 2026

UN Pakistan Annual Report 2025

For Pakistan and the international system as a whole, 2025 was a turbulent year. Climate shocks, economic volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and regional instability combined to put pressure on people, institutions and public finances alike. And yet, 2025 was also a story of resilience, adaptation and determined action.This Annual Results report shows how, in 2025, the United Nations stood with Pakistan – and how, together with government, communities and partners, we delivered results for people across the country. It also reflects a central lesson of the year: in a more volatile world, complex challenges cannot be met with fragmented responses. Just as the pressures Pakistan faces are interconnected, so too must be the solutions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Pakistan 2023–2027 provides a basis for that integrated approach, bringing together our collective efforts across social services, inclusion, climate resilience, economic opportunity, governance and human rights.

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Publication

16 April 2026

The Future of Governance and the Social Contract

This issue of the Development Advocate Pakistan, The Future of Governance and the Social Contract, examines how governance capacity, not policy ambition alone, will determine Pakistan’s ability to navigate economic volatility, climate pressures, digital transformation, and widening inequality. At a moment of overlapping national transitions, it argues that restoring trust in the state depends on stronger institutions, better coordination, and closing the gap between reform commitments and lived outcomes.The issue features a leadership perspective by Honourable Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, alongside reflections from UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk and Deputy Resident Representative Van Nguyen; Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British Deputy High Commission in Islamabad; and Saroop Ijaz, Lawyer and Human Rights Advocate The issue also brings together diverse technical experts and thought leaders examining governance through multiple lenses, including fiscal federalism, constitutional accountability, digital rights, climate governance, water security, regional inequality, inclusion, and more. Among the contributing authors are Christina Murray, Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College, University of Oxford and Gideon Basson, PhD Candidate, University of Oxford; Asma Hyder, Former Dean and Professor at IBA Karachi; Nargis Sethi, Former Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mehreen Naushad, International Law Expert; Dr. Sajid Amin, Deputy Executive Director at SDPI; Shmyla Khan, Researcher and Campaigner; Sara Hayat, Climate Change Law & Policy Specialist; Mohsin Leghari, Former Provincial Minister for Irrigation, Punjab; and Peter Jacob, Director of the Centre for Social Justice. The report concludes with a case study from UNDP’s Democratic Governance Unit, highlighting practical efforts to institutionalize results-based delivery within the Prime Minister’s Office.Together, these contributions underscore a central message: the future of Pakistan’s social contract will be determined not only by constitutional guarantees or reform plans, but by the strength, coherence, and accountability of the institutions that bring them to life.

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Publication

16 April 2026

Pakistan’s National Strategy to Counter Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

As Pakistan’s digital landscape expands, so does the need to ensure that online spaces are safe, inclusive, and rights-based. In 2024, eight million new female users came online, marking important progress in digital inclusion. Yet in the same year, 135,000 cybercrime complaints were reported, while only 826 cases proceeded to prosecution — just 0.6 percent. This gap between access and protection highlights the scale of the challenge and the need for a stronger institutional response.Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is increasingly shaping how women and girls experience digital spaces in Pakistan. From harassment and cyberstalking to image-based abuse, impersonation, and coordinated online intimidation, these harms can restrict expression, participation, and access to opportunity, while reinforcing existing inequalities.To respond to this growing challenge, the Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed Pakistan’s first National Strategy to Counter Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. This strategy marks an important step toward a more coordinated, survivor-centred, and rights-based response. Developed through a consultative multi-stakeholder process, the strategy provides a national framework to strengthen prevention, protection, redress, and institutional coordination, while helping ensure that women and girls can participate in digital life with safety, dignity, and confidence.

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Publication

08 November 2022

United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027 for Pakistan

With this framework, the UN in Pakistan has prioritized five development outcomes to improve people’s lives in Pakistan, especially the lives of those at the greatest risk of being left behind. The UN will support Pakistan to move forward on its pathway towards sustainable development, on the understanding that:✓ If basic social services – including health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and social protection – are strengthened, there will be increased equal access to sustainable quality services for all.✓ If women, girls and transgender persons are empowered to reach their fullest potential, their human, social, economic and cultural rights will be fully protected and upheld, and they will have decision-making power over all aspects of their lives.✓ If the health of the Indus River Basin is restored and protected, and resources are equitably and efficiently used, the Indus will sustain a thriving civilization from its sources to the sea, and Pakistan will be much better equipped to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impact.✓ If there is sustainable and inclusive green economic growth and decent work, there will be equitable employment opportunities, enhanced productivity, a sustainable business environment and the realization of workers’ rights.✓ If inclusive, accountable and efficient governance systems are in place, they will provide equitable service delivery, affordable and accessible justice systems, and enable people to be aware of – and obtain – their rights.To download an abridged version: Click here

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Story

21 May 2026

Pakistan: protecting millions against polio with support from KSrelief

“Just as we care for the children in our own homes and protect them from polio, I want all innocent children in our country to be healthy and protected through polio campaigns. I do this job from my heart, going from house to house to make sure that no child is left behind,” says Faiza.Faiza is one of more than 413,000 frontline health workers trained and mobilized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in April to protect 45 million children from paralytic polio in Pakistan, under the leadership of the Government and with support from donors like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).From 13-19 April, as the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) implemented its second nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2026, polio workers like Faiza walked the length and breadth of the country to bring the life-saving polio vaccine to the doorsteps of every child, regardless of social or economic status, no matter where they live or who they are. Since the launch of Pakistan’s polio programme in 1994, thanks to the medical science behind vaccines, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8%, from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025 and 1 case so far in 2026. Global polio eradication experts agree that ending wild polio in Pakistan and worldwide is within reach, but only if all partners intensify the response, particularly in the 2 remaining endemic countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.Polio worker Faiza administers polio drops in Taramari during the April 2026 national polio campaign in Pakistan. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO PakistanLike Faiza, Saima – a former teacher – sees her work as a vaccinator as a personal commitment to protect every child in her community from a disease that can cause lifelong paralysis or death. “As a woman and as a mother, I get a lot of hope and internal satisfaction from this work. It is an act of service for me, vaccinating and protecting the children in my community from this terrible disease.”Saima’s 2-member team goes from house to house, visiting approximately 250 homes during each campaign.Polio worker Saima (centre) during the morning briefing before departing on a vaccination round in Islamabad, Pakistan, during the April 2026 national polio campaign. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO PakistanAs a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), WHO provides technical and operational assistance to Pakistan’s PEI. WHO supports Pakistan and partners in leading key components of the largest polio operation in the world, including science- and evidence-based vaccination campaigns, support for the largest and most sensitive poliovirus surveillance network globally, the training and deployment of polio workers – 60% of them women, outbreak responses, and the monitoring and evaluation of vaccination drives.Economic support provided by donors like KSrelief has been instrumental in ensuring WHO polio operations in Pakistan, while enabling economic support and community service.“I am very content to be working in the Polio programme because I am able to support my family while also protecting children from polio,” says polio vaccinator Hina.“Community health is an important part of my training as a student nurse, so I was motivated to be in the field, engaging directly with communities and promoting health. Being a polio worker and going door to door to vaccinate children is providing valuable field experience and the opportunity to serve the community, as well as income to cover my expenses,” says Waqar, who is completing his final year of nursing education and volunteers as a polio worker during vaccination campaigns.Polio workers like Faiza, Saima, Hina and Waqar are the backbone of polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, knocking on every door and visiting every family to leave no child behind. In their vaccine carriers, they bring hope, one drop at a time, for a polio-free Pakistan and a polio-free world.In 2026, WHO polio operations are being supported by the generous contributions of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Germany, the Gates Foundation and Rotary International.Written by Suzanna Masih.Edited by José Ignacio Martín Galán.

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Pakistan: protecting millions against polio with support from KSrelief

Story

05 May 2026

Navigating remote Sindh to deliver life-saving vaccines in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan – In the narrow, muddy lanes of Ghorabari, Sindh, Ali Muhammad’s motorbike brings hope and medical science to the most remote communities. Over the last two decades, Ali has been navigating this marginalized landscape, where accessing healthcare can be a daily struggle. Ali is one of over 15 000 skilled vaccinators trained by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the leadership of Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization.His mission: to ensure every child completes their full vaccination course, staying protected from vaccine-preventable diseases that could lead to lifelong disability or death.Vaccinator Ali on his motorbike, about to head to vaccination in a remote area in Sindh province, Pakistan. Photo credit: WHO PakistanDay after day, Ali fights a burden of diseases that particularly threatens communities living in makeshift houses far from health facilities.WHO’s collaboration with Pakistan and partners – supported by donors like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – provides the infrastructure, training, and tools needed to record the vaccination status of children and reach those living in the most isolated areas.Ali Muhammad with a vaccine carrier and safety box on his way to remote households in Ghorabari, Sindh. Photo credit: WHO PakistanWhether during the 2022 floods or the measles and rubella vaccination campaigns of 2022 and 2025, Ali was on the ground to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable. "I have seen real improvement because of vaccination," Ali says. "There are fewer outbreaks now, but our work must be consistent to keep children safe."Ali often encounters hesitation due to misinformation. He remembers one family who, fearing minor side effects like fever, chose to skip life-saving vaccines."We would get our children vaccinated sometimes, and other times we wouldn't," says Zohra, a mother in Ghorabari. This inconsistency turned fatal when her daughter fell ill. Mistaking her fever for a common chest infection, the parents waited. It was only when a rash appeared and they reached the hospital that the truth emerged: it was measles. The realization came too late; the young girl died the next day.Today, Zohra has transformed her grief into a plea: "My daughter is gone because I was careless. I let my doubts come before her safety, and now I have to live with that grief every day. I thought I was protecting her from a fever. I urge every mother: do not wait for a rash to appear, do not let your child become a memory; ensure they are vaccinated on time, every time."Zohra, a mother in Ghorabari, Sindh, advocates immunization after losing her daughter to a preventable measles outbreak. Photo credit: WHO PakistanAli vaccinates over 3500 children annually at the basic health unit and in outreach sites, but he is more than a vaccinator. He is also a counselor who shares the plight of parents like Zohra to break the cycle of refusal. Every morning, he prepares his vaccine carrier, safety box, and vaccines, heading out to reach every woman and child, no matter where they live or who they are."In this area, some people don’t have access to basic health facilities; my mission is to ensure that every child completes their full vaccination course, so they are safe and protected.Written by Ayesha Javed.Edited by José Ignacio Martín Galán.

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Vaccinator Ali prepares a vaccine dose during an outreach session in a remote community in Ghorabari, Sindh.

Story

29 April 2026

‘This work chose me’: Pakistan’s women vaccinators protecting millions on the frontlines

“I didn’t choose this work. This work chose me,” says Sanam, one of the more than 428 000 vaccinators – including 15 000 routine vaccinators and 413 000 polio workers – trained by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan. They brave distance and difficult terrain and overcome doubts to bring lifesaving medical science to their communities, protecting them against 13 vaccine-preventable diseases.Every year, they protect 7 million children and 5.5 million mothers with routine vaccines. Over 45 million children have been reached with polio vaccines during multiple supplementary campaigns.Many of these vaccinators are women who speak mother to mother, bridging cultural codes and going where others cannot. This World Immunization Week, we pay tribute to them.Meet Sanam, Laila, Rozina, Sagheera, Zeenat, Fatima, Ayesha, Shumaila, Deen-a-Komal and Amina, and learn how, across Pakistan’s provinces, they are proving that, for every generation, vaccines work and save lives.Sanam – Barakahu, Islamabad“When I was in college, I wanted to select a field where I could interact with people and with children – like this vaccination programme that protects children. I wanted to do something for children, as a vaccinator and as a mother.”Vaccinator Sanam prepares a routine immunization dose at the Rural Health Centre Barakahu, Islamabad, Pakistan, in April 2026. Photo credit: Sara Akmal/ WHO PakistanLaila – Muzaffargarh, Punjab“These are my villages, my children. I have walked through these fields in July heat and December fog. When you know a child is waiting, you don’t calculate the distance. You just go. Trust is a real medicine. The injection comes after,” says Laila.Vaccinator Laila walks through the fields of Muzaffargarh, Punjab, carrying a vaccine carrier and supplies to reach children in her community. Photo credit: WHO PakistanRozina – Thatta, Sindh“Some mothers walk very far to bring their children to me. When I see them coming, I never make them wait. There are mothers in this area who lost children to measles because they were not vaccinated on time. Vaccination is not just a choice. It is a responsibility we share.”Vaccinator Rozina prepares a vaccine dose at a community outreach session in, Thatta, Sindh, as mothers and children wait to be vaccinated. Photo credit: WHO PakistanSagheera – Kahuta, Punjab “For 25 years I have been coming to these hills. The children I vaccinated first are now bringing me their own children. That is all the reward I need.”Vaccinator Sagheera reviews vaccination cards with mothers and families during a community outreach visit in Kahuta, Punjab. Photo credit: WHO PakistanZeenat – Rawalpindi“I am a mother too and I got my own children vaccinated for polio. Thank God, they are healthy and protected now. I want all parents in the country to vaccinate their children with polio drops so they do not fall prey to paralysis.”Vaccinator Zeenat, accompanied by a WHO frontline worker, administers polio drops to a child at his doorstep in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a door-to-door immunization campaign in February 2026. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO PakistanFatima – Thatta, Sindh“Every tetanus-diphtheria vaccine that we provide protects mothers and newborns from maternal and neonatal tetanus. I am proud to have played a part in eliminating this disease across Sindh.” Vaccinator Fatima administers a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine to a woman at a community outreach site in Thatta, Sindh, as part of Pakistan’s maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination programme. Photo credit: WHO PakistanAyesha – Tarlai, Islamabad“Every child, every missed dose is all in this register. This data are not just numbers. These are the children I am responsible for.”Vaccinator Ayesha presents her vaccination register to Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, during a visit to the Tarlai health facility in Islamabad in 2025. Photo credit: Ayesha Javed/WHO PakistanShumaila – Karachi, Sindh“The human papillomavirus (HPV) campaign (against cervical cancer) was challenging. I was not just vaccinating — I was convincing parents the vaccine was safe. Every girl on our list was a daughter, a sister, a future. It was our responsibility to protect her health.”Vaccinator Shumaila administers an HPV vaccine to a schoolgirl in Karachi, Sindh, during the national HPV campaign. Photo credit: Ayesha Javed/WHO PakistanDeen-a-Komal – Diamir District, Gilgit-Baltistan“In Diamir, people once turned us away at the door. Since15 women vaccinators were deployed here, coverage has risen from 57% to 83%. That change is what I worked for.”Vaccinator Deen-a-Komal at an outreach site during a measles and rubella campaign in November 2025 in Diamir District, Gilgit-Baltistan. Photo credit: WHO PakistanAmina Khan – Mehrabadi, Islamabad“A missed child does not disappear from my list. I follow up until I find them. A blank space in this register means a child is still at risk.”Vaccinator Amina updates vaccination records at a field outreach site in Mehrabadi, Islamabad. Photo credit: WHO Pakistan.Bridging the human distance to deliver medical scienceIn 1976, Pakistan was certified free of smallpox by WHO. In 1980, smallpox was officially declared eradicated worldwide, ending one of the deadliest diseases in human history. That success was achieved by health workers who walked through neighbourhoods, climbed into villages, and stayed until every eligible person was reached. Two years later, in 1978, Pakistan launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization in partnership with WHO. At the time, there were a limited presence of women vaccinators.Nearly 5 decades on, Pakistan has more women vaccinators than ever. They carry vaccines into the country’s hardest-to-reach corners with WHO technical and operational support – in collaboration with partners and with funding from donors like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.These vaccinators continue to build on the hard-earned lesson that motivated the creation of the immunization programme 48 years ago: understanding that the distance between a vaccine and a child is always, in the end, a human distance, and that the medical science behind vaccines needs vaccinators to deliver it.Written by Ayesha Javed.Edited by José Ignacio Martín Galán

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Pakistan’s women vaccinators protecting millions on the frontlines

Story

06 April 2026

Threading a New Path: Saeeda’s Journey from Isolation to Enterprise

In Union Council Churbandar, in Gwadar district, Saeeda’s days once revolved around quiet, repetitive work.At 39, widowed and raising two children, she relied on hand embroidery to sustain her household. Her work was careful and skilled, but it remained confined within her home. Without access to buyers, pricing knowledge, or regular orders, her monthly income fluctuated between PKR 10,000 and 15,000. It was uncertain, informal, and difficult to scale. “I used to do embroidery, but I did not know how to sell my work properly or get regular orders,” she recalls. Like many women in her community, Saeeda’s challenge was not a lack of skill. It was the absence of a pathway to turn that skill into a stable livelihood.That began to change with the establishment of the Women Resource Centre (WRC) in Churbandar under the Gwadar Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project, financed by Government of Pakistan and the International Dund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Designed as a safe and accessible space, the centre brought women together to learn, work, and exchange knowledge. For Saeeda, it marked her first step out of isolation.Through the centre, she participated in Enterprise Development Training, where she learned advanced embroidery techniques, product finishing, business planning, and basic financial management. More importantly, she began to understand how her work could connect to a wider market.The shift was not immediate, but it was steady.At the WRC, women were encouraged to organise into enterprise groups. Saeeda joined others with similar skills, and for the first time, her work became part of a collective process. Tasks were shared across embroidery, stitching, finishing, and packaging. Products that once took months to complete could now be produced more efficiently and with consistent quality. With support from the centre, she also began receiving orders from local markets and women-led online networks, including through WhatsApp. Her customer base expanded, and her pricing improved.Today, Saeeda earns approximately PKR 35,000 a month. The increase in income has brought stability to her household, but the change is not only financial.“After my husband passed away, I was broken and afraid… The Women Resource Centre gave me skills, confidence, and direction. Today, I can support my children with dignity and hope.” The centre has also reshaped how women in the community engage with work and with each other. It provides a space where they can move beyond home-based, informal production into structured, market-oriented activities, while building confidence and decision-making capacity.Saeeda’s experience reflects a broader shift underway across Gwadar and Lasbela districts. Under the project, women are not peripheral participants but a central focus. They make up more than half of the membership in community organisations, and the majority of productive assets and training opportunities are directed towards them. This approach is supported through a network of Women Resource Centres, designed to anchor skills development, enterprise formation, and market engagement at the local level. The results are visible beyond individual households. Across the project area, there has been a marked decline in the proportion of ultra-poor households earning below PKR 10,000, alongside a rise in households moving into higher income brackets. These trends indicate a gradual but measurable shift from subsistence to more stable livelihoods.At the same time, the process is still evolving. Building enterprise groups, strengthening market linkages, and sustaining local institutions such as WRCs requires time and continued engagement. For Saeeda, however, the direction is already clear.What began as solitary work within the confines of her home has grown into a more structured livelihood, connected to markets and supported by a network of women facing similar challenges. In that transition lies not only increased income, but a redefinition of what is possible.

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12 March 2026

From Risk to Relief: Transforming Medical Waste Management in Pakistan

Many district and tehsil hospitals across Pakistan face a serious but often overlooked problem: the safe disposal of hazardous medical waste. Used syringes, blood-soaked bandages, and other infectious materials are generated every day, yet proper disposal systems are either outdated or unavailable. In some cases, waste is stored for long periods, handled manually, or disposed of in ways that put hospital staff, waste handlers, patients, and nearby communities at risk. The absence of reliable incineration facilities creates a critical gap in the healthcare system, directly affecting both public health and environmental safety.To address this challenge, with support from the Global Fund and in coordination with the Common Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MoHSRC), UNOPS, under its “Developing Infrastructure for Incinerator Installation” project, has successfully constructed facilities in seven district hospitals across different provinces. The medical waste incinerators were procured by UNOPS Geneva office and have been installed in four hospitals as of now, including Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital, Muridke, Punjab; Institute of Chest Diseases (ICD), Kotri, Sindh; Civil Hospital, Mithi, Sindh; and Teaching Hospital, Khuzdar, Balochistan. The next installation is planned at Teaching Hospital, Turbat. Two sites are currently under construction, and work on the remaining three sites will begin in the next few weeks. Built according to international safety standards, with cavity walls and a properly designed ventilation system to ensure safe and controlled operation. Each installed incinerator can dispose of up to 150 kilograms of medical waste per hour, enabling hospitals to manage their waste efficiently, safely, and securely on-site.The impact goes beyond the structure itself. Staff at all these hospitals have received hands-on operational training, including live demonstrations of the full incineration cycle and safe waste-handling procedures. With four incinerators now operational as of now , they will significantly reduce infection risks for patients and surrounding communities, protect waste handlers from injury, and prevent harmful pollutants from entering the environment.“The installation of the incinerator at THQ Hospital Muridke marks a major step forward in safely managing infectious medical waste within the hospital. This initiative not only protects our healthcare workers but also safeguards our patients, the surrounding community, and the entire population of Muridke.”Dr. Ahmed Ammar Asif, Medical Superintendent, THQ Hospital Muridke This initiative demonstrates UNOPS’ strong expertise in infrastructure development and procurement globally, particularly in complex and high-challenge environments. By delivering safe, standards-compliant facilities and building local capacity, UNOPS is helping to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system in a practical and lasting way. The impact goes beyond waste disposal. It means safer hospitals for patients, improved working conditions for healthcare staff, and healthier communities. This project closes a long-standing gap in the health system and contributes directly to better health outcomes and responsible waste management for the future.

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Press Release

17 August 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 17 August 2026

UNITED NATIONSSecretary-General Appoints Major General Jawwad Ahmed of Pakistan as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Major General Jawwad Ahmed of Pakistan as the new Force Commander for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).Major General Ahmed succeeds Major General Md Fakhrul Ahsan of Bangladesh, who completed his assignment on 2 August 2026. The Secretary-General is grateful to Major General Ahsan for his exemplary service and leadership of MINURSO.Major General Ahmed brings to this position over 35 years of leadership and operational experience in the Pakistan Army and United Nations peacekeeping. He served as Director General in the Ministry of Defence in Rawalpindi, overseeing command and control, local governance and administration of all cantonment areas nationwide, comprising over 5.3 million citizens. Prior to this, he was the General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division, Director General of the Inspection and Evaluation Directorate at General Headquarters, and Force Commander Northern Areas.Major General Ahmed’s other senior appointments include Brigade Commander in cantonment and in the field area at high altitude regions and Chief Instructor at the National Command and Staff College, Quetta. Earlier in his career, he served with the Pakistani Battalion in the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES), Croatia.Major General Ahmed holds a Master of Science in Art and Science of Warfare and a Master of Philosophy in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from National Defence University, Pakistan and a Postgraduate Certificate in Security and Strategy for Global Leaders from King’s College, London, United Kingdom. In addition to his native Urdu, he is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French. *****Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-GeneralUnited Nations T: +1 212 963 7160New York, USA www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson X.com / Instagram / Whatsapp

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Press Release

13 August 2026

Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 12 August 2026

The World Health Organization co-organizes a national conference led by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to reinforce in the short- and long-term emergency preparedness, health sector coordination, timely efficient data sharing for evidence-based decision-making, resource optimization, predictable funding and uninterrupted delivery of essential health services during emergencies.12 August 2026, Islamabad, Pakistan – The World Health Organization (WHO) joined the Government of Pakistan, provincial authorities and partners in a national conference to strengthen health emergency preparedness and response to climate-driven hazards over the long term as the health sector stands ready to activate the Monsoon and Flood Contingency Plan 2026 to assist 1.8 million people in high-risk areas.Under the leadership of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the objective of the National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference was to reinforce in the short- and long-term emergency preparedness, health sector coordination, timely and efficient data sharing for evidence-based decision-making, resource optimization, and the uninterrupted delivery of essential health services during emergencies, particularly for the most vulnerable, regardless of social or economic status.The conference was organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and supported by WHO – as co-chair of the Health Sector –, UNFPA, IOM, UNICEF, the International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children.“Pakistan's geographical location means that we are among the first to experience the effects of climate change. From Gilgit all the way down along the banks of the Indus River we can see an entire belt being affected. It is estimated that approximately 60 million people are affected by hazards associated with climate change across this entire area. What we need to discuss today is what our preparedness should look like before we have to respond. In this context marked by climate change, how we cater to and protect vulnerable populations is extremely important,” said Federal Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath.According to the World Risk Report 2024, Pakistan is among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change and other overlapping crisis factors, including extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods that lead to an increase in waterborne diseases, droughts, and air pollution. The Global Climate Index 2026 also ranks Pakistan among the 15 countries most affected by extreme weather events during the period 1995–2024.“The evidence is clear. Preparedness and timely health emergency responses save lives. In a context marked by increasing climate-driven natural disasters, investing in preparedness and a science-based health emergency response is not only the right thing to do to protect lives; it is also the smartest and most cost-effective decision,” said WHO Pakistan Representative Dr Luo Dapeng.“When we are able to ensure predictable funding, strong leadership and coordination, and timely science-based interventions, we are in a better position to save lives while also reducing economic costs, since a late intervention is usually more expensive and less effective intervention and takes a toll on human lives.” ***About WHOFounded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with over 190 Member States across more than 150 locations to ensure everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO has maintained a permanent presence in Pakistan since its country office was established in 1960. For more information, visit WHO Pakistan website. For additional information, please contact:   José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, jomartin@who.intMaryam Yunus, National Professional Officer – Communications, WHO Pakistan, yunusm@who.int

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Press Release

13 August 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 12 August 2026

PESHAWAR, 12 August 2026.— UNOPS, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), today handed over an upgraded Water Quality Management Information System (MIS) to the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The handover marks the completion of the project “Enhancing Functionality and Capacity of the Water Quality MIS”, which strengthens the province's ability to monitor, analyze and manage drinking water quality data.The handover ceremony, held in Peshawar, brought together representatives of PHED, UNOPS and KOICA to mark the transfer of the enhanced digital system, which is expected to support more efficient, transparent and data-driven water quality management across the province.Speaking at the ceremony, Fazal Shakoor Khan, Provincial Minister, Public Health Engineering Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said: “Safe drinking water is a priority for this government, and this upgraded system gives PHED the tools to monitor it more effectively than ever before. I want to thank UNOPS and KOICA for standing with us in this effort”.Reflecting on the partnership, Harim Go, Deputy Country Director, KOICA, said: This upgrade reflects KOICA's continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan's water sector. Through this longstanding partnership with UNOPS and PHED, we're confident the enhanced MIS will contribute toward safer, more reliable water quality management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa."Highlighting UNOPS commitment to strengthening national systems, Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager UNOPS Pakistan, said: "As an implementing partner, UNOPS is proud of what this collaboration with KOICA and PHED has achieved, Systems like this don't just solve today's problems, they build capacity that lasts, strengthening water quality management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for years to come”.As part of the project, UNOPS enhanced the MIS through a phased approach, first conducting a Stakeholder Needs Assessment Workshop to identify key areas for system improvement and finalize the upgrade roadmap. Building on this diagnostic phase, the MIS was upgraded with an improved software architecture, a refreshed user interface, and enhanced analytics capabilities.UNOPS also delivered capacity-building sessions for PHED users on the upgraded MIS, data management and system maintenance, supporting more than 50 PHED staff to operate and sustain the new system.This upgrade builds on the wider UNOPS-KOICA partnership, "Enhancing Water Quality Monitoring System in Pakistan" (August 2021 to December 2024), an initiative that upgraded 45 water-quality testing laboratories across Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and introduced the initial MIS to strengthen coordination on water quality data.Going forward, PHED will operate and maintain the upgraded system, while the enhanced MIS will enable it to more efficiently collect, analyze, and share water quality data, strengthening coordination on drinking water standards and supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on Clean Water and Sanitation. Notes to the editors: Press contact details:For more information, contact Wajid Zahid at wajidz@unops.org or +92 346 8557760 About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.

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Press Release

06 August 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 3 August 2026

3 August 2026, Islamabad, Pakistan – The World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Pakistan and 20 prominent business leaders from Pakistan launched the first WHO Council for Partnership with the Public and Private Sectors. The Council aims to improve public health, strengthen national health systems, and accelerate progress towards health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global health commitments.The Council was launched in Karachi during a ceremony led by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Dr Hanan Balkhy, the Chair of the new WHO Pakistan Public-Private Council, Aziz Memon, Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for Health and Co-Chair of the Council, Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng, and 20 founding members from the business sector and academia.“The Council brings business and philanthropic leaders together to build a healthier and more prosperous future for Pakistan and for the Region. Working as partners will allow WHO and the Council to amplify our collective advocacy to move health higher up the national agenda; consolidate our strengths in financing, technology, logistics, infrastructure, networks and expertise; and build a durable, long-term partnership that promotes a healthier future for everyone, no matter where they live or who they are,” said Dr Balkhy.For his part, Aziz Memon – Chair of the Council representing the business sector –, underlined that this initiative will bring business leaders and WHO together to build a more prosperous Pakistan. “This Council is the place where Pakistan's prosperity and Pakistan's health finally sit at the same table and where business leadership can take its rightful place to promote the health of its own people, with the World Health Organization as our trusted partner. This Council is a way for that generosity to move forward together, with structure, with safeguards, and with the reach of the World Health Organization behind it, so that what each of us does alone becomes unstoppable when we do it together.”Federal Secretary for Health Muhammad Aslam Ghauri – Co-Chair of the Council – emphasized that the Government of Pakistan “stands with the Council” to advance national health priorities. “Our national vision is clear: universal health coverage for every Pakistani, charted through our National Health Strategy 2026-2035. This Council could not arrive at a better moment as we begin a 10-year national journey that calls for all sectors of society to play their part, because no government anywhere achieves these goals alone.”WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in maximizing the power of medical science to improve and save lives. “The greatest contribution of this Council may never appear on a checkbook. It will be spoken about in boardrooms, across industries and within circles of influence, where business leaders’ advocacy can play a vital role in building a healthier Pakistan. WHO will be your vessel as we work together to build a healthier future for everyone, regardless of social or economic status. A healthier nation is also a more prosperous nation. Together, we can put medical science at the service of building a stronger Pakistan, and WHO will always stand with Pakistan and its people.”***About WHOFounded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with over 190 Member States across more than 150 locations to ensure everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO has maintained a permanent presence in Pakistan since its country office was established in 1960. For more information, visit WHO Pakistan website. For additional information, please contact:   José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, jomartin@who.int

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Press Release

03 August 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 31 July 2026

Pakistan becomes the first country in South Asia to host the full national Training of Trainers (ToT) track of the UN Women AI SchoolThe initiative aims to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Gender EqualityIslamabad, Pakistan, 30 July 2026: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), together with UN Women Pakistan and with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), have launched the UN Women Gender-Responsive AI School Pakistan, marking a major step towards advancing inclusive, ethical, and gender-responsive artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan.The Gender-Responsive AI School aims to strengthen national capacity by equipping policymakers, government institutions, parliamentarians, the United Nations system, academia, civil society, the private sector, and community leaders with the knowledge and practical skills to harness AI responsibly and ensure women and girls are equal participants in Pakistan's digital transformation.Welcoming participants, Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, said:" Pakistan is setting a new benchmark for the Asia-Pacific region through the UN Women Gender-Responsive AI School; the first initiative in the region to deliver a national Training of Trainers programme with tailored learning pathways for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, as well as civil society and the private sector. What begins here today is not following a precedent; it is setting one. Together with the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of IT & Telecom and KOICA, we are investing in the leadership, institutions, and skills needed to build an inclusive, ethical, and gender-responsive AI future. "The curriculum combines conceptual learning with practical application through tailored learning pathways covering AI foundations, gender-responsive and ethical AI, AI governance, prompt engineering, AI agents, and AI applications for public administration and inclusive development. Ahead of its launch, the initiative delivered specialized training programmes for parliamentarians, government officials, UN personnel, academia, and civil society, creating a growing national network of AI champions.Speaking at the launch, Ms. Sodam Baek, Deputy Country Director, KOICA Pakistan Office, said:"KOICA is proud to support the UN Women Gender-Responsive AI School as an investment in Pakistan's inclusive digital future. By strengthening digital skills and promoting responsible AI, we are helping build an innovation ecosystem where women and girls can participate equally and contribute to sustainable development."The initiative addresses a significant global policy gap. According to UN Women's analysis, only around two dozen of nearly 140 national AI policies worldwide make any reference to gender. Aligned with the Global Digital Compact, the CSW67 Agreed Conclusions, and the Beijing+30 agenda, the AI School translates global commitments into national action by embedding gender equality, ethics, and inclusion into AI policy, governance, and innovation.During the ceremony, MoITT and UN Women Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize the AI School, followed by its symbolic handover to the Ministry, reinforcing national ownership and long-term sustainability.Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, said:"Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of society, and Pakistan is committed to ensuring this transformation is inclusive and responsive. Through our partnership with UN Women and KOICA, we are strengthening institutional capacity, advancing ethical AI governance, and creating opportunities for women and girls to lead and thrive in the digital economy."The launch marks a historic milestone, with Pakistan becoming the first country in South Asia to host the full national Training of Trainers (ToT) track of the UN Women AI School. Since 2024, the regional initiative has trained more than 5,000 policymakers, UN personnel, civil society leaders, and young innovators across Asia and the Pacific. By institutionalizing the AI School through a nationally owned platform, Pakistan is setting a regional benchmark for gender-responsive AI governance.A highlight of the event was the presentation of outcomes from the Training of Trainers programme, showcasing practical applications of AI in governance, parliamentary research, education, and community engagement.The initiative contributes to Pakistan's digital transformation agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). MoITT, UN Women and KOICA will continue working with development partners, academia, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that AI becomes a force for equality, innovation, and sustainable development. About Ministry of IT and TelecommunicationThe Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation. The Ministry works to expand digital connectivity, promote innovation and emerging technologies, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance digital governance, and develop a skilled workforce to support the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.About UN WomenUN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It works globally to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men.About KOICAThe Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is the Republic of Korea’s governmental agency for grant aid and technical cooperation. Established in 1991, KOICA supports sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in partner countries in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, working across areas including education, governance, gender equality, and digital transformation. For further information, please contact:Erum Fareed
Communications Officer, UN Women Pakistan
E: erum.fareed@unwomen.org
M: +92 326 8474546

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