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

15 April 2025

Annual Report 2024

This annual report is proof positive that development works. It shows how the UN in Pakistan, together with our many partners, changed lives for the better in 2024. In words, numbers and images, this report outlines how our solutions for sustainable development sought to deliver the greatest impact for people in the greatest need.

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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

15 June 2020

Pakistan: Further desert locust damage forecast in coming agricultural seasons

The Government of Pakistan’s preliminary estimate of monetary losses due to desert locusts over the two coming agricultural seasons in 2020 and 2021 may range from US$3.4 billion to $10.21 billion. Locust damage has significantly affected many farmers already, with further significant locust damage forecast at the end of summer. In late January, the Government of Pakistan declared the desert locust a national emergency and set up the National Action Plan for Desert Locust Control and Surveillance and a high-level National Locust Control Centre. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is providing technical advice and procurement support to the Government for locust surveillance and control activities, including locust threat forecasts and control operation strategies. FAO and the World Food Programme and partners, in coordination with the Government, will access needs in the worst-impacted districts, which have also experienced multiple shocks over the past 18 months, including drought, flash flooding, a cold wave and COVID-19. The Government of Pakistan needs $372 million over the coming three years in additional funding to survey, control and recover from the locust damage. FAO launched the Desert Locust Upsurge Global Response Plan 2020, which includes $12.5 million for Pakistan for crisis response, of which only $1.9 million has been funded. More than 3 million people in Pakistan are facing severe acute food insecurity, with the situation particularly precarious in Balochistan. It is estimated that approximately 34,000 households will need of emergency livelihood and food-security assistance due to crop losses. Many more people may be indirectly affected by crop losses leading to price rises in key commodities.

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24 April 2025

Pakistan: the women heroes of polio eradication

From vaccination campaigns to disease surveillance, women are at the forefront of the fight against polio across Pakistan, defying challenges, overcoming social norms, building trust and protecting the most vulnerable children from this lifelong paralytic disease. They are leading the way to run the last mile and end the global threat of polio.They are people like Ayesha Raza, a polio survivor who earned global recognition in 2024 for her dedication to fight this deadly disease, Bakht Roza and Basmina – who reach nomadic children in the harsh terrain of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – and Dr Sarwat Wajahat Sheikh, whose efforts were recently recognized by the Government of Sindh. Ayesha, the polio survivor protecting Pakistani children from disability “It’s not easy for me to walk during polio campaigns due to my limited mobility, but I cannot miss the chance to bring hope and resilience to the children of Pakistan.”Polio eradication is a personal mission for Ayesha Raza, a Pakistani polio survivor and health worker whose remarkable commitment earned her global recognition at the Golden Jubilee Ceremony of the Islamic Development Bank – a polio eradication donor – which took place in Saudi Arabia in 2024.Every year, Ayesha is one of 400 000 vaccinators who go door-to-door to implement massive Government-led vaccination campaigns, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, to protect over 45 million children against paralytic polio in Pakistan. Ayesha was 2 years old when she contracted polio in the 1990s, at a time when Pakistan did not have a dedicated polio programme. Since then, vaccinators like Ayesha have reduced the number of polio cases by 99.7%. With her left leg paralyzed and difficulty walking, Ayesha’s childhood was challenging. But she refused to let disability define her. She turned to a career as a health worker and also volunteered for the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme.Ayesha works as a vaccinator and social mobilizer in Lahore, convincing hesitant parents to vaccinate their children to protect them from lifelong disability. “I eagerly await the day when polio is completely eradicated, bringing a brighter future for our nation and the world,” she says.Brave women on motorbikes to reach nomad children In the rough mountainous terrain of Lakki Marwat, two brave Pashtun women, Bakht Roza and Basmina navigate remote, security-compromised areas on motorbikes to vaccinate children against 12 deadly diseases, including polio. Working in Bettani subdivision, where health services are scarce, they are the sole source of essential immunization for children and expectant mothers.Deployed under the Nomads Vaccination Initiative – launched in 2022 to vaccinate nomadic children who often miss polio and routine vaccinations due to frequent movement – Bakht Roza and Basmina travel long distances and overcome cultural barriers to protect children from terrible diseases. They have vaccinated nearly 2800 children, convinced over 200 refusal families to accept immunization, and administered tetanus vaccinations for pregnant women who had not received vaccinations at the local health facility because only a male vaccinator was available. Braving harsh terrain, falls from bikes and community resistance, they remain steadfast. “We think of all the children in the community who need our help as our own children and that motivates us to keep going,” says Bakht Roza.Their story is a testament to the resilience and dedication of female vaccinators who ensure that every child has the chance for a healthy future. WHO Disease Surveillance Officer Recognized for Breakthrough Case Detection “As a public health worker, a polio-free Pakistan is my highest priority and a dream to realize.”Making Pakistan polio-free is a priority for Dr Sarwat Wajahat Sheikh, a WHO Disease Surveillance Officer in Karachi’s Malir district. Her hard work and exceptional commitment to identifying and investigating polio cases in her district was recognized by the Government of Sindh on World Polio Day 2024. In 2017, Dr Sarwat joined WHO in Sindh’s Dadu district where she played a key role in strengthening poliovirus and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance. In 2021, she was transferred to Karachi where the dense population, frequent migration and pockets of vaccine resistance, especially in underserved communities, make poliovirus circulation a persistent challenge. In Karachi Dr Sarwat contributed to expanding the number of surveillance sites from 43 to 93 and mobilized 152 community informants to improve polio case detection. In 2024, she faced one of her toughest cases in Ibrahim Hyderi, a slum community of labourers and fishermen, where a child – suspected of having polio – had unfortunately passed away. The family was hesitant to cooperate with the Pakistan Polio Programme’s case investigation teams. Undeterred, Dr Sarwat spent weeks building trust with the parents, ultimately convincing them to let the teams collect stool samples from other children in the family to rule out polio. Her efforts led to confirmation of the first polio case in the area in 10 years, triggering an urgent vaccination response to protect all children in the community. Dr Sarwat’s work earned her special recognition from the Government of Sindh. “Disease surveillance is a powerful tool to level the playing field, to bend the arc of our country away from poliovirus and towards a polio-free Pakistan”.

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Pakistan: the women heroes of polio eradication

Story

24 April 2025

Fatima: crossing deserts to protect mothers and newborns in Pakistan

"Fatima is not just a health worker. She is an angel who brought light back into my life."The words are Maloka’s, a young mother from a remote village in Tharparkar, Sindh province, who lost her first child to neonatal tetanus. When Maloka became pregnant again, Fatima, a Lady Health Worker, vaccinated her against tetanus, ensuring that both the mother and newborn would be protected.Maloka’s story highlights how the Government of Pakistan, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has transformed the prevention of maternal neonatal tetanus (MNT) across the country. Around 80% ofPakistan’s population (190 million people) now live in areas where the spread of neonatal tetanus is under controlled limits – less than 1 case of tetanus per 1000 live births. Islamabad Capital Territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir achieved elimination in March 2025, Sindh in December 2024 and Punjab in 2016.Fatima, Maloka’s “angel”, is one of 17 000 Lady Health Workers deployed in the province of Sindh, and 30 000 across the country. For mothers like Maloka, Lady Health Workers are heroes, but they do not work alone. More than 140 000 Lady Health Visitors, Lady Health Supervisors, Lady Health Workers and midwives work across Pakistan, covering even the most remote areas, keeping mothers and newborns safe. Maloka lost her first child, a baby girl, to neonatal tetanus. The pain of that loss fueled her determination to protect any future children. When Maloka became pregnant again, Fatima was there, a steady source of support and guidance. She ensured Maloka received the necessary tetanus vaccinations, advised her on safe delivery practices and provided antenatal care. Today, Maloka cradles her healthy 1-year-old son, a symbol of hope and resilience. Maloka's story underscores the crucial role of frontline health workers like Fatima who provide advice from mother to mother. Fatima acts as a bridge between communities and the health care system, building trust and empowering women to take control of their health. Despite progress, Pakistan remains among 10 countries worldwide that have yet to eliminate MNT. In 2024, a total of 322 cases and 6 deaths were reported across the country, though WHO experts estimate that only 30% of cases are notified to the authorities. WHO will continue to partner with Pakistan and its frontline health workers as they work to eliminate MNT from the country and protect future generations from this preventable disease. As the sun sets over the Thar desert, casting long shadows across the sand dunes, health workers like Fatima are bringing hope for a healthier future to the most remote settlements. “Initially, it was an uphill battle,” Fatima recalls. “Many were hesitant, bound by traditional beliefs and misconceptions about vaccines. Now, the smiles of healthy babies and the relief in mothers' eyes are the greatest reward. It is a reminder that, even in the most challenging circumstances, we can make a difference, one vaccine at a time.”

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Fatima: crossing deserts to protect mothers and newborns in Pakistan

Story

24 April 2025

Laila’s journey: crossing rivers and fields to vaccinate every child

“Children should complete their vaccinations, no matter where they live. To reach these locations, we travel on foot, often crossing fields. Sometimes we use a boat to cross rivers to ensure that no child misses a vaccination.” In the scorching heat of Ghazi Kot – a remote area of Muzaffargarh district – navigating the waters of the Indus River in a small boat, 24-year-old Laila Ashiq embarks with her vaccine carrier on a heroic mission to vaccinate every child and pregnant woman against preventable diseases, leaving no one behind. As one of only 12 female vaccinators in the district, Laila's commitment to her community of 60 000 individuals goes beyond her role as vaccinator for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan, a collaborative initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). “When children are vaccinated, they stay healthy, contributing to a healthier society and helping to brighten the future of Pakistan,” says Laila. Laila, who lost her mother in 2021 and supports her 2 younger sisters while her father works as a ticket collector, embodies resilience and determination. Twice a week, Laila travels 25–30 km along a treacherous river route to reach hard-to-access villages. Driven by her unwavering belief that every life matters, Laila vaccinates women and children and educates mothers on the importance of regular vaccination and preventive care, helping to ensure that their children grow up healthy. "Vaccination is not just a choice, it's a responsibility that we share for the well-being of the children of our community. Through outreach and awareness-raising efforts, vaccinators transform indifference into a commitment to protect our children from preventable diseases like tetanus and measles”, says Laila. Laila vaccinates children against 12 fatal diseases including childhood tuberculosis, polio, diarrhoea, pneumonia, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b, meningitis, typhoid, measles and rubella. “I felt relieved after the completion of the vaccination course for my son, knowing my child is protected now. For this I am grateful to Laila who not only informed me about the benefits of vaccination but also ensured I stayed on track with each dose,” said Rabia Bibi, mother of 3 children and a resident of Daddoo Mor village in Ghazikot.Laila’s dedication to outreach activities in geographically challenging regions is a testament to her commitment to improving health care services in the community. For her, having access to vaccinations is not a privilege, but a human right. “I believe that health is a fundamental right for every child, and this right cannot be taken away from them. Their vaccinations should be completed, no matter where they live.”

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03 April 2025

Stronger Together: Advancing Inclusive Workplaces and Ethical Procurement in Pakistan

Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO), the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Pakistan is pioneering innovative solutions to improve workplace well-being and operational efficiency for nearly 4,000 UN personnel across 240 premises. Through collaborative engagement, strategic policy enhancements, and inclusive practices, the RCO is ensuring a healthier, more efficient, and gender-responsive UN system in Pakistan.Throughout 2024, the RCO, in partnership with the Operations Management Team (OMT), has led a series of groundbreaking initiatives to enhance staff well-being and create a culture of open dialogue and accountability. Key initiatives include: Performance management and well-being awareness sessions, led by the DCO Human Resources Officer, provided new insights into the link between workplace performance and staff well-being. Held in October during UN Week, these sessions reshaped perspectives on effective workforce management. Regular townhall meetings, both online and in-person, have transformed staff engagement. The Resident Coordinator's provincial visits ensure that field colleagues' concerns are heard, while quarterly all-staff townhalls reach hundreds of personnel, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. Joint missions of the UN preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) Coordinator and UNDSS staff counselors provided training on mediation and preventive mechanisms for mid-level managers in Pakistan's four provincial capitals, strengthening workplace accountability and protection measures.Beyond workplace well-being, the RCO has been at the forefront of sustainable procurement reforms. Since 2016, it has prioritized environmental sustainability, disability inclusion, and gender parity in procurement practices. In 2024, the RCO introduced new policies on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and launched accessibility surveys for vendors and venues, ensuring inclusive and ethical procurement standards.Looking ahead, the RCO plans to establish an OMT task force to strengthen due diligence, integrate procurement with programmatic activities, and foster partnerships that drive gender-responsive, sustainable development in Pakistan. These efforts exemplify how strategic innovation and collaboration can transform operations and strengthen UN impact.

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Advancing Inclusive Workplaces and Ethical Procurement in Pakistan

Story

03 April 2025

Jalwa: fighting tuberculosis on Pakistan’s frontlines

"I am thankful to WHO for providing me with a platform from which I can utilize my abilities to work for the welfare of my people.”Jalwa Ali works for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan, supporting the provision of services to people affected by tuberculosis (TB) at the Women & Children Hospital Rajjar Charsadda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Jalwa works on the frontlines visiting patients, raising awareness, gaining the trust of female patients and communities, addressing misconceptions and reducing the stigma associated with the disease. TB affects over 686 000 people and causes 47 000 deaths annually in Pakistan. The country bears 73% of the TB burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and is the 5th most affected in the world.TB can have severe consequences for women, especially during their reproductive years and pregnancy. In partnership with WHO, the Provincial and District TB programme and the Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn (RMNCH) programme are working to implement TB screening for antenatal and postpartum women at the Women & Children Hospital Rajjar Charsadda. WHO also supports the use of GeneXpert testing of stool specimens from young children. The hospital serves a population of 1.6 million and provides outpatient services to over 9800 people each month, including pediatrics (4900), gynaecology (4137), pediatric neonatology (419) and general surgery (394). “I am thankful to the doctors and staff at the hospital who helped me in the diagnosis and treatment of TB,” said Fatima, an antenatal patient who visited the hospital with a 4-day cough. After receiving treatment, she delivered normally and is now fully recovered. Pakistan has increased TB notifications and treatment coverage, reaching nearly 495 000 people in 2024 (70% of the affected population), compared with 331 800 people in 2015 (57% of the affected population). Over the last decade, in partnership with WHO, Pakistan has provided diagnosis and treatment services to 3.7 million people affected by TB.Despite progress, diagnosing TB in children and pregnant women remains a challenge due to factors such as a lack of information, stigma and hesitation among affected populations. Jalwa works hard informing women about the importance of being tested for TB, a disease that is curable and preventable. Being from the same area as her patients is her biggest asset. Women feel comfortable sharing their health concerns with her. For Jalwa, fighting tuberculosis forms part of her personal commitment to serve her community.“I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations, and am particularly interested in fighting tuberculosis because of its impact on marginalized communities. I realized that there is a dearth of awareness about tuberculosis among local communities, leading to misconceptions. Ending tuberculosis is now my life’s mission.”

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Jalwa: fighting tuberculosis on Pakistan’s frontlines

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Press Release

08 December 2025

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 5 December 2025

4 December 2025, Quetta: After a resounding success in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the European Union (EU) funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, the Balochistan Bar Council and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered to bring the second annual Women Lawyers Conference to Balochistan, gathering over 85 women lawyers from across the province.Commemorating 16 Days of Activism against online abuse, this year, the Conference discussed the challenges and opportunities for “Women Practicing Law in the Digital Era and the Age of AI” with a special focus on Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV). TFGBV is gender-based violence that is perpetrated through phones, social media, or other digital spaces. Mr. Rahib Khan Buledi, Vice Chairperson, Balochistan Bar Council, took this opportunity to underline that, “The annual Women Lawyers Conference has become a key platform aligning the needs of women as users and service providers of the justice system with the Bar Council’s efforts. This year’s theme strengthens the Conference’s role in preparing women lawyers for emerging risks, digital realities, and new avenues of legal practice.” He thanked the EU and the UNDP for their steadfast partnership in making the justice sector safer and more accessible for women.The Conference included an orientation session on the preliminary findings of UNDP’s diagnostic research on TFGBV, raising awareness about online abuse targeting women, girls, and marginalized groups. This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Confronting TFGBV’ led by Mr. Zulfiqar Durrani, Head of UNDP Sub-Office Balochistan, with panelists Ms. Sabira Islam, former Ombudsperson, Balochistan; Mr. Sardar Qadeer, Advocate, Sardar Qadeer Law Associates; Ms. Fauzia Shaheen, ex-Chairperson, Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women; and Ms. Farzana Khilji, Advocate. Discussions focused on the nature of TFGBV cases, gaps in the legal framework, evidence collection, and steps to create safer online spaces for women, girls, and marginalized groups.Congratulating the Balochistan Bar Council, and UNDP on milestones achieved under the EU-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project,’ Mr. Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Pakistan, highlighted, “AI and ICT bring many advantages, but they also introduce challenges and pitfalls such as Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). We are proud to support women lawyers to address these challenges, strengthen access to justice, enhance representation, and break long-standing barriers.”At the close of the Conference, women lawyers agreed on recommendations to build safer workplaces and a justice sector equipped to meet the emerging challenges in the age of AI.Ms. Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, shared a special message for women lawyers. “Let this gathering not end in words – let it end in commitment. Commitment to challenge injustice wherever it lives and to stand beside every woman whose voice still waits to be heard.” She thanked the Balochistan Bar Council for supporting women’s advancement and the EU for joining UNDP on this journey.Contact Details:For additional information, please contact: Fizza Bangash, Head of Communications at UNDP Pakistan, at fizza.bangash@undp.org. About the Deliver Justice Project:The 20 Million Euro “Deliver Justice Project”, is funded by the European Union and aims to support reform processes to ensure the delivery of people-centered justice, enhance access to justice for all, particularly women and less privileged groups, and improve service delivery of the security sector in line with constitutional safeguards and international standards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the Merged Districts and Balochistan. The project is funded by the EU and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).The UNDP Rule of Law Programme is implementing a range of interventions to enhance security and justice sector governance in Pakistan.About UNDP:UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

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Press Release

08 December 2025

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 4 December 2025

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT5 December 2025In an era of political division and social isolation, volunteering offers a powerful way to forge connections and foster our shared humanity.On this International Volunteer Day, we honour the millions across the globe stepping forward to serve their communities and advance the greater good.This year’s theme, “Every Contribution Matters,” reminds us that everyone has something meaningful to offer, and that every cause, from hunger, to climate, to humanitarian action, benefits from the enthusiasm and expertise of volunteers.I extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 14,000 people who have served through the United Nations Volunteers programme, and to the countless others who give their time and talents to help neighbours and strangers alike. Your commitment, solidarity and compassion are shaping a better world.This week also marks the launch of the International Volunteer Year 2026.Over the next twelve months, I urge everyone, everywhere to volunteer for a cause that matters to you. In times of crisis and uncertainty, you can be the change you wish to see.Together, we can grow a global movement of volunteers, and build a brighter, more caring future for all.*** ILOPRESS RELEASEILO Supports Green Recovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through Skills and Entrepreneurship Initiative A new ILO–AICS partnership will improve construction-sector skills and certification in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and support economic and social empowerment for women and young people in eco-tourism.PESHAWAR, Pakistan (ILO News) – Efforts to strengthen climate-resilient recovery and expand employment opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took an important step forward today as stakeholders agreed on a coordinated plan to equip women, men and youth with skills for sustainable construction and eco-tourism. The event outlined practical steps for curriculum reform, market-driven training and enterprise development to support vulnerable communities still recovering from the 2022 floods.The occasion marked the launch of the programme “Just Transitions for Men, Women and Youth through Skills Training and Jobs Creation in Sustainable Construction and Eco-Tourism” — a joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Italian Government, provincial and federal partners.Supported through a €2 million contribution from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the programme aims to create new decent livelihood opportunities in sectors with strong potential for green recovery and economic growth. The event was attended by senior representatives from the federal and provincial governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society and development partners.Geir Tonstol, ILO Country Director for Pakistan, emphasized that “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has immense potential, but climate shocks have shown how urgently we must invest in green and resilient livelihoods. This new programme equips workers with the skills they need for sustainable construction and empowers new entrepreneurs in eco-tourism — ensuring just transition to a greener economy hinging on human capital development, inclusive economic outcomes and decent work.”The programme aims to create employment pathways in two critical sectors that hold potential for decent jobs, inclusive development and local economic resilience and recovery. This comes at a time when the Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2024–25 reports a 9.6% unemployment rate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with around 40% of young people not in education, employment or training. The programme will support sustainable construction to meet rebuilding needs and promote eco-tourism to make better use of the province’s natural assets.Francesco Zatta, Head of Office, AICS, said, “In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the link between climate adaptation, construction and tourism is especially clear. Through targeted skills training in these areas, we are helping communities build stronger livelihoods despite recurring environmental challenges.”Sadia Haider, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, noted that “the programme aligns with provincial recovery priorities as this collaboration strengthens our efforts to build back better, creating opportunities that support both immediate reconstruction and long-term economic growth. This is aligned with the Pakistan’s commitment to the Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions.”Capt. (Rtd.) Mian Adil Iqbal, Secretary Labour, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa added that “the provincial government welcomes this support for our construction and tourism sectors. Through interventions aimed at improving quality of jobs and formalisation of the supply chain workers in these sectors through recognition of prior learning and certification, we can bring workers under the ambit of labour and social protection.”Employers’ representatives praised the initiative and highlighted the need for skills training that matches industry needs, noting that close coordination with businesses will improve job outcomes. Workers’ representatives welcomed the creation of much-needed jobs but stressed that these opportunities must be decent and fully aligned with labour standards and national laws.The event also included group discussions on implementation strategies, coordination among partners and identifying initial target districts. Participants agreed on a roadmap to begin project rollout, with a focus on achieving measurable results in flood-affected communities.For further information, please contact:Muhammad NumanCommunication OfficerEmail: numan@ilo.orgMobile: +92 303 5000041

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Press Release

03 December 2025

UNIC PR: United Nations marks ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ in Pakistan"

Five events, coupled with ‘Seen & Unseen’ Art exhibition, alert on intensification of digital violence against women and girlsISLAMABAD, December 2nd, 2025 – Today, the United Nations in Pakistan marked the ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ by calling for urgent global action against digital violence during an event at Islamabad’s Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). It alerted on the need to adapt the legislation to evolving technologies as nearly half of the world’s women and girls lack legal protection from digital abuse.The event, chaired by the Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, in presence of UN Women Regional Director, Christine Arab, also marked the opening of ‘Seen & Unseen’, an Art exhibition featuring renowned Pakistani artists, with Prof. Salima Hashmi as Honorary Advisor. It was part of a series of four other UN events that discussed how to keep women and girls safe online, and empower them to lead and shape the digital future, in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.“Technology has transformed the nature of abuse, and our laws, institutions, and social responses must evolve accordingly,” said Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Human Rights and Chief Guest, at the Islamabad event. “The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening legal protections, expanding access to justice, and ensuring that every woman and girl can participate in society—online and offline—with safety, dignity, and equality.”The five events brought together the Government, law enforcement, the legislature, and civil society, together with IOM, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIC, UNICEF, UNESCO, UN WOMEN, and WHO. They took place in Punjab Safe City Authorities in Lahore on 25 November, Governor House in Quetta on 27 November, Peshawar Stadium on 1 December, and PNCA Islamabad on 2 December, with support from Marriott Islamabad. The fifth event will take place at State Bank of Pakistan Museum in Karachi on 4 December.“During the 16 Days of Activism, we must invest in the vision and leadership of young people,” said Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “When innovation is shaped by gender equality, we create digital spaces where women and girls are not just included, but protected, empowered and able to thrive,” she added as she launched UN Women’s Firewall Feminist Lab.Digital violence is spreading at an alarming speed fueled by artificial intelligence, anonymity, and a lack of effective laws and accountability. It comes under many forms -- online harassment, cyberstalking, doxing, non-consensual image sharing, deep fakes, and disinformation. Digital abuse can spill into real life, sometimes leading to physical violence. “The digital world promised connection and empowerment. Yet for millions of women and girls across the world, it has become a minefield of harassment and abuse,” said Pernille Ironside, Acting UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator. “We cannot let online platforms become yet another space where women and girls are silenced, shamed, and intimidated -- in Pakistan or across the world. We must urgently adapt the legislation to evolving technologies, and end the impunity of both perpetrators and online platforms. Just like the offline world, the online world should not threaten women and girls, but help them thrive. There is no excuse for online abuse.”During the event, UNDP and UNPFA introduced their work around digital and technology-facilitated gender-based violence; IOM shared testimonies of survivors; UNFPA launched its new Reels ‘Salma Lives’ about child marriage; and WHO shared its perspective on the clinical and health impact of gender-based violence.The United Nations calls for: 1) Global cooperation to ensure digital platforms and AI tools meet safety and ethics standards; 2) Support for survivors of digital violence by funding women’s rights organizations; 3) Holding perpetrators accountable through better laws and enforcement; 4) Tech companies to step up by hiring more women to create safer online spaces, removing harmful content quickly, and responding to reports of abuse; 5) Investments in prevention and culture change through digital literacy and online safety training for women and girls, and programmes that challenge toxic online cultures.Note to editorsAccording to World Bank data, fewer than 40 per cent of countries have laws protecting women from cyber harassment or cyber stalking. This leaves 44 per cent of the world’s women and girls – 1.8 billion – without access to legal protection. Reporting of online abuse and violence remains low, justice systems are ill-equipped, and online platforms face little accountability. The rise of AI-generated abuse has only deepened impunity across borders and platforms. But there are signs of progress, as laws in many countries are beginning to evolve to meet the challenges of technological change. As of 2025, 117 countries reported efforts addressing digital violence, but efforts remain fragmented for a transnational challenge.About the ‘Seen & Unseen’ ExhibitionThe exhibition brings together 19 artists from across Pakistan on the occasion of the ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign -- AB Rahman, Adeela Suleman, Aiman Amin, Ali Abbas, Amna Manzoor, Amna Rahman, Amra Khan, Aroosa Rana, Bibi Hajra, Feroza Hakeem, Laila Rahman, Mehrosh Alam, Natasha Malik, Niamat Nigar, Noormah Jamal, Shamir Iqtedar, Tahir Zaman, Ubaid Tariq, and Zahra Jokhio. It is curated by Fang Wang Linulf and Usman Ahmed, and directed by Catherine Weibel (UN Information Centre / UNIC). Salima Hashmi, Professor Emeritus at Beaconhouse National University (BNU), is the Honorary Advisor. The exhibition is supported by ‘Sami & Nakai’, a firm specializing in Architectural and Interior Design and Heritage Conservation. It was coordinated by Mahvash Haider Ali and Kainat Afridi (UNIC), with logistics from Human Design. The exhibition will run at PNCA Islamabad from 3 to 13 December. Entry is free. About the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led by UN Women under the UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative. It runs each year from 25 November to 10 December, connecting the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Human Rights Day. In 2025, the campaign focuses on ending digital violence against all women and girls – one of the fastest-evolving forms of abuse worldwide. Digital violence includes online harassment, stalking, gendered disinformation, deepfakes, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, all of which are rising sharply as technology advances. The 2025 UNiTE campaign calls on governments, technology companies, and communities to act now – to strengthen laws, end impunity, and hold platforms accountable. It urges sustained investment in prevention, digital literacy, and survivor-centred services. It also calls for long-term support to women’s rights organizations that are leading efforts to make digital spaces safe and inclusive for all.About the UN in PakistanThe UN works in support of five priorities agreed between the UN and Pakistan, and to help achieve the 17 Global Goals (SDGs) to end extreme poverty, inequality, and mitigate climate change. The following UN agencies, funds and programmes are working in Pakistan: FAO, IFAD, ILO, IOM, ITC, OCHA, UN-HABITAT, UN WOMEN, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIC, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNODC, UNOPS, UNV, WFP and WHO. You can follow the UN in Pakistan on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. For more information, please contact:United Nations Information Centre in Pakistan (UNIC)
Catherine Weibel, catherine.weibel@un.org, +92 300 854 0058
Mahvash Haider Ali, mahvash.ali@un.org, +92 319 071 2828

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Press Release

03 December 2025

Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 2 December 2025

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – Delegates from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Niger, Timor-Leste and Pakistan will exchange lessons, evidence and innovations to integrate nutrition effectively into national social protection systems.The dialogue aims to build shared commitment to making social protection policies and programmes more nutrition focused. Delegates will review practical examples, explore new approaches, and identify actions to accelerate progress against malnutrition at national and global levels. As host country, Pakistan is showcasing its leadership in social protection and nutrition, offering lessons that resonate across the region, through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a globally recognised model for poverty reduction and nutrition-sensitive social protection. Its flagship Benazir Nashonuma Programme, launched in 2020 by the Government of Pakistan with support from WFP, UNICEF, and WHO, focuses on preventing stunting – impaired growth and development in young children due to malnutrition – targeting pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two. A recent evaluation by Aga Khan University, a leading health sciences institution based in Karachi, found stunting at six months of age to be 20 percent lower among Nashonuma beneficiaries - some of the strongest nutrition outcomes ever recorded at scale.“Integrating nutrition into social protection has been a major milestone,” said the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. “Through the Benazir Nashonuma initiative, pregnant and lactating women and children under two receive targeted support during the first thousand days. At the core of this effort is a simple conviction: no child should face malnutrition, no mother should be without care, and no family should endure hardship alone. Ending malnutrition is both a development priority and a responsibility that shapes the future of all nations”.“In coordination with provincial authorities, BISP aims to continue and where possible expand its efforts to sustain the achievements of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme over the next years,” said Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP. “This positive momentum must be maintained, as the health of today’s children shapes the promise of generations yet unborn.”Since its launch in 2008, BISP has marked a turning point in Pakistan’s social protection landscape, shifting from fragmented welfare schemes to a nationally coordinated programme and laying the foundation for innovations such as digital payments, beneficiary registries, and nutrition‑sensitive interventions.“Pakistan's experience shows that integrating social protection and nutrition is not only feasible and impactful but cost-effective. It requires sustained political will and predictable financing,” said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Representative and Country Director in Pakistan.On behalf of H.E. President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, the chair of the Global Task Force,
H.E. Ceu Brites, Vice Minister of Social Security and Inclusion, expressed her deep appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the event and for their leadership in advancing nutrition-sensitive social protection. “Let us move from ideas to impact — from commitment to collective action. Together, we can create a world where no mother, no child, and no family are left behind,” she said. She also thanked the Government of France for their support to the Global Task Force.The event underscores the shared commitment of participating governments and partners to ensure that no child, woman, or man suffers from hunger or malnutrition. It reflects the spirit of collaboration required to achieve Zero Hunger (Sustainable Development Goal 2) and universal social protection (target 1.3 under Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty), reinforcing the leadership of the Global South in shaping the future of nutrition-sensitive social protection.# # #For more information, please contact: Qurat ul Ain Haider, Director BISP: dir.mco@bisp.gov.pkAnam Abbas, WFP/ Islamabad: anam.abbas@wfp.org

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Press Release

02 December 2025

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 2 December 2025

UNOPSPRESS RELEASEUSD 500K Funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation to UNOPS in Pakistan for a Plastic Waste Collection ProjectIslamabad, Pakistan – 28 November 2025: The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) is supporting the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and International Labour Organization (ILO), to initiate a pilot project titled, ‘Sustainability & Decent Work in Pakistan’s PET* Recycling Value Chain’. The Foundation is providing USD 500K for the project that will be implemented in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), an area that generates over 3,300 tons of municipal solid waste daily, with an estimated 79% being recyclable. This partnership was finalized in Islamabad by Dr. Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability, Coca-Cola Pakistan, Ms. Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager, UNOPS Pakistan and Geir Tonstol, Country Director for ILO Pakistan, along with other representatives from the ILO, UNOPS’ key project partner were also in attendance.Key activities under this project include undertaking a comprehensive analysis of challenges; providing training on occupational safety and health to waste pickers and handlers; facilitating the formation of cooperatives for waste pickers; and conducting a diagnostic study to map the PET value chain. ILO, as the UN specialized agency for decent work, will bring essential expertise on labor rights, occupational safety, and worker formalization.“This collaboration with UNOPS, and ILO demonstrates The Coca-Cola Foundation’s commitment to advancing waste collection and management systems while ensuring that those at the heart of the system, the informal waste pickers, receive the recognition, protection, and opportunities they deserve,” said Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation.Dr. Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability, Coca-Cola Pakistan, echoed this commitment, and added: “We thank TCCF for their support to this project, which represents a tangible step forward in creating shared value in the local community."Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Ms. Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager, UNOPS Pakistan, noted: “By strengthening the PET recycling value chain, this initiative not only tackles the urgent challenge of plastic pollution but also empowers Pakistan’s informal waste pickers with safer, more dignified livelihoods. Together with The Coca-Cola Foundation, we are setting up a model to transform waste into opportunity.”Geir Tonstol, Director for the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Pakistan, stressed the importance of improving the PET recycling value chain that requires not only technical solutions but also a strong focus on people. He expressed that this partnership provides an important opportunity to enhance working conditions for informal waste pickers and to promote decent work practices across the system, applying the core expertise of ILO.According to WWF, in Pakistan, nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste is generated each year, of which 86% is not managed properly. Similar to many other developing nations, Pakistan faces a challenge in terms of waste collection and management systems, resulting in environmental challenges. The results of the pilot project will encourage adoption of a similar framework for more sustainable and inclusive waste collection, management, and recycling at the national level.*PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic For more information, contact Wajid Zahid at wajidz@unops.org or +92 346 8557760 ILOPRESS RELEASEILO and Health Services Academy Convene National Dialogue to Strengthen OSH for Quality Health ServicesThe dialogue focused on strengthening service delivery systems, improving OSH practices, and enhancing coordination across ESSIs to better support insured workers and those who care for them.NATHIA GALI, Pakistan (ILO News) – Ensuring Pakistan’s workforce has access to quality, timely, and prevention-focused social security services requires stronger institutional coordination and a renewed focus on occupational safety and health (OSH). Participants at the two-day National Dialogue stressed the need to strengthen OSH systems in Employees’ Social Security Institutions (ESSI)-run health facilities and improve service delivery for millions of insured workers and their families.This dialogue is part of the ongoing collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Health Services Academy (HSA) under the Working for Health Programme (W4H), bringing together institutional expertise to strengthen safe and decent working environment in health sector.ESSIs play a central role in Pakistan’s labour and social protection system by providing healthcare, compensation and rehabilitation services. Strengthening their institutional capacity was identified as critical to building a more efficient, worker-centred and prevention-oriented social security delivery model aligned with international standards and moving towards universal social protection. The dialogue brought together senior representatives from ESSIs in Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through technical sessions and experience-sharing, participants explored approaches for service enhancement, contribution compliance, hospital governance, and OSH improvements.Geir Tonstol, Country Director ILO Pakistan, emphasized that: “ESSIs are the frontline of protection for millions of workers and their families. Their central focus is to ensure quality services to workers, however, this is not possible unless safety and health standards for health care workers are ensured. The ILO remains committed to supporting Pakistan in building prevention-focused, internationally aligned OSH systems so that every insured worker receives timely and dignified support. This is core to the Decent Work agenda.”Professor Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, said: “This dialogue is an important opportunity to strengthen OSH across the board—whether within government entities delivering services to insured workers or across the wider health workforce. It brings all provincial social security institutions together to exchange knowledge, improve service delivery, and advance decent work in the health sector. The Health Services Academy is committed to supporting this platform and centralising OSH across our systems.”Muhammad Ali, Commissioner PESSI, stated: “Through our collaboration with the ILO, PESSI has implemented the HealthWISE toolkit across its hospitals, and we are already seeing improvements in ergonomics, safer waste management, and OSH training for staff. We remain committed to expanding our services and delivering quality care, while also building partnerships with other provincial ESSIs so that more workers can benefit from social security.”Since its start, the ILO–Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)–World Health Organization (WHO) Working for Health Programme in Pakistan has supported social security institutions in strengthening workplace safety, improving service delivery systems, and equipping health professionals and administrators with knowledge and tools to promote preventive, dignified and worker-centred care. For further information please contact:Muhammad NumanCommunication OfficerEmail: numan@ilo.orgMobile: +92 303 5000041

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