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

06 May 2026

Delivering for People and Planet - UNDP Pakistan Annual Report 2025

Our Key AchievementsIn 2025, UNDP Pakistan advanced its mission to deliver for people and planet in a context marked by renewed climate shocks, economic pressure, and rising expectations for public service delivery. Guided by the Country Programme Document 2023–2027 and implemented in close partnership with the Government of Pakistan, provincial authorities, communities, civil society, development partners, and the UN system, our work focused on practical results that people could see and feel in their daily lives.Our ImpactUNDP works across Pakistan to support national priorities while responding to local realities. Our impact is reflected in the way communities are better protected from climate and disaster risks, livelihoods are restored and diversified, women and young people gain new pathways to opportunity, justice and public services become more accessible, and institutions are strengthened to plan, finance, and deliver for people.

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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

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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Story

04 March 2026

The Alchemy of Glaciers

In Pakistan’s northern mountains, where glaciers both sustain life and threaten it, women are transforming climate risk into livelihoods with support from UNDP’s GLOF-II Project.In Upper Chitral, Ayesha tends rows of beehives that have become her family’s lifeline after repeated climate-induced floods destroyed her home. Trained in climate-resilient beekeeping through the project, she now produces and sells honey in local markets, generating steady income for her household. “The bees carried me through when everything was washed away,” she says. Across the region, similar transformations are unfolding. In Kalam, Parveen has turned her small kitchen garden into a thriving enterprise, producing vegetables at commercial scale after receiving training, seeds, and climate-smart farming techniques. Her harvest now supports her entire family. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Sumaira and Fatima run a growing micro-business extracting high-value oils from local produce such as sea buckthorn, walnuts, and apricots using machinery provided through the project, cutting costs, increasing output, and expanding their customer base. Nearby, Laila leads a women-run wool processing unit that has doubled production while eliminating the dangerous manual labour that once caused serious health risks for workers. The improved technology allows women to produce yarn and handicrafts efficiently, access larger markets, and earn sustainable incomes. The GLOF-II Project goes beyond disaster risk reduction. By combining climate adaptation with skills training, equipment, and market access, it ensures communities, especially women, are not just protected from climate shocks but empowered to thrive despite them. In valleys where glaciers are rapidly changing the future, resilience is becoming a pathway to dignity,independence, and opportunity, one woman at a time.“Before UNDP’s support, I could grow only five to six sacks of vegetables, selling each for 4,000 to 5,000 rupees. But in 2024, I was able to make a profit of around $2,500, making my garden the provider of the family.” – Parveen, KalamStory by Shameen Raza, Communications & Reporting Officer, GLOF-II Project, UNDP Pakistan

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Press Release

07 May 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 6 May 2026

European Union and UN Women Convene Policy Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Budgeting in Justice Sector in KP and BalochistanIslamabad, 07 May 2026 — Through European Union financing and support, UN Women Pakistan convened a high-level policy dialogue on gender-responsive budgeting in justice sector institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen equitable, accountable and evidence-based public finance systems.The dialogue focused on translating fiscal evidence into actionable reforms by examining how provincial budget allocations shape women’s access to justice and protection services. Insights from the Gender Analysis of Provincial Budgets FY 2025–26 underscored a critical gap between increased overall spending and limited targeted investment in gender-responsive services within the justice sector.In his keynote remarks, Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation to the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, underscored the importance of aligning financial systems with justice sector reform and said, “Gender-responsive budgeting is not merely a technical exercise, it is a governance imperative. Ensuring that justice sector resources are allocated and utilized in ways that respond to the needs of women and girls is essential to building equitable, transparent and effective institutions.”Speaking at the event, Ms. Fahmida Iqbal Khan, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, emphasized the need to translate investments into justice outcomes and stated,
“While justice sector allocations have increased, the key challenge lies in ensuring that these investments lead to improved access to justice for women and girls. Gender-responsive budgeting is critical to ensuring that justice systems are not only strengthened, but also inclusive and responsive to those most in need.”In his remarks, Mr. Abdul Khaliq Sheikh, Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, highlighted the importance of institutional accountability within justice systems and said,
“Integrating gender perspectives into justice sector budgeting processes is essential to ensure that institutions effectively respond to the needs of all citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups. Strengthening accountability across justice institutions will be key to delivering equitable justice outcomes.”The dialogue featured technical presentations and a moderated discussion on strengthening gender-responsive budgeting within justice sector institutions, including police, prosecution and judiciary systems. Technical experts presented key findings from the gender budget analysis, highlighting critical gaps between increased overall sector allocations and limited targeted investment in gender-responsive services, such as survivor support, reporting mechanisms and gender-sensitive infrastructure.These insights informed a panel discussion titled “From Fiscal Growth to Gender Outcomes: What Must Change in Upcoming Development Budgets?”, which brought together representatives from provincial finance and planning departments, justice sector institutions, civil society and development partners. Participants identified priority reforms for upcoming development cycles, including strengthening gender budget tagging within justice portfolios, improving data and tracking systems, and enhancing coordination across institutions responsible for justice delivery.The event concluded with a shared commitment to advance gender-responsive public finance reforms within the justice sector, ensuring that future provincial budget allocations translate into improved access to justice, protection services, and institutional responsiveness for women and girls in KP and Balochistan.The dialogue was convened under the European Union-funded programme “Promoting Rule of Law and Enhancing the Criminal Justice System in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Newly Merged Districts and Balochistan,” with a total value of approximately USD 20 million, implemented by UNDP, UN Women and UNODC to strengthen rule of law and expand equitable access to justice, particularly for women and marginalized groups.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. For further information about the please contactErum Fareed, Communications Officer, UN Women Pakistan, at erum.fareed@unwomen.org or +92 326 8474546.Samar Saeed Akhtar, Communications, Press and Information Officer, at samar-saeed.akhtar@eeas.europa.eu or +92 345 5095972

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Press Release

07 May 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 7 May 2026

9th and the final Provincial Steering Committee Meeting successfully convened in Quetta to review Rule of Law progress
07 May 2026, Quetta - The government of Balochistan, the European Union Delegation and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the rule of law stakeholders, convened the 9th and the final Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) on the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap of the province which has been supported in-part, through the European Union (EU) funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’ and with technical assistance from UNODC, UNDP and UN Women. The aim of the project has been to enhance the central government-led, evidence-based framework for justice sector reforms. The Deliver Justice Project also focused on improving institutional performance, enhancing citizen access to justice, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms across the province.Chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Home and Tribal Affairs Department, Mr. Hamza Shafqaat, the meeting brought together representatives from EU, provincial stakeholders, and implementing partners. Participants reviewed progress achieved since the 8th PSC meeting and agreed on coordinated priorities to strengthen institutional capacity across the province for citizen-centric justice delivery.Key achievements have included the enactment of various Acts in the area of criminal justice that will modernize legal processes, strengthen accountability and ultimately create more modern and accessible services for citizens.UNODC presented progress highlights, including the operationalization of Prison Management Information System (PMIS), Smart Police Stations across Quetta and other districts of Balochistan along with establishment of Court Annexed Mediation Centers. Participants appreciated how these reforms are improving public confidence in policing and prison services. In addition, the meeting discussed strengthened case management systems and digital tools to improve efficiency across the justice chain. Capacity-building initiatives for prosecutors, judges, prison officials, and police personnel were highlighted, alongside ongoing initiatives to integrate human rights standards into institutional practices.The meeting appreciated and emphasized continued support from the EU for the rule of law reforms as a foundation for stability, accountability, and good governance in Balochistan. Provincial stakeholders welcomed the sustained technical and financial support to ensure long-term reform sustainability. Mr. Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Pakistan, welcomed the significant progress achieved through the five-year programme in strengthening justice sector institutions in the province to enable more people-centred services. He looked forward to further reforms and highlighted the EU’s continued commitment to strengthen rule of law and enhance access to justice for the most vulnerable in the province. Mr. Troels Vester, UNODC Country Representative in Pakistan, appreciated the support from the EU and continued commitment of the Government of Balochistan, underscoring UNODC’s role as a trusted partner in advancing evidence-based reforms for strengthening the justice sector in Balochistan. In his closing remarks, ACS, Home and Tribal Affairs Department, Mr. Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat appreciated the EU for its financial support and the UNODC for it’s technical leadership, and the UNDP, and UN Women for their complementary roles, while reaffirming the Government of Balochistan’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law as a foundation for peace, justice, and development.The PSC meeting concluded with an agreement on immediate priorities, requesting the EU and the UNODC, to continue supporting the Rule of Law and Criminal justice reforms in the province under a new programme which is expected to be launched in August 2026.The Deliver Justice Project is an EU-funded rule of law initiative implemented from 2021 to 2026 to strengthen criminal justice institutions and improve access to justice in Pakistan, with a particular focus on Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project supported reforms across police, prosecution, judiciary, prisons, and legislative frameworks through institutional capacity building, digitalisation, and governance reforms. With a 20 million Euro investment, the project aimed to promote transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric justice service delivery, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.For further information, please contact:- Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org

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Press Release

06 May 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 5 May 2026

UNICEFPRESS RELEASEFAST FACTS: 30 years of life-saving therapeutic food for children, yet millions more still need it - UNICEF
NEW YORK, 5 May 2026 – For three decades, a small sachet of fortified peanut paste has been one of the most powerful tools to combat severe wasting – the deadliest form of malnutrition – in children under five. Today, more than 12 million children globally are suffering from severe wasting. As conflict, climate shocks, and funding pressures escalate, ensuring a predictable and uninterrupted supply of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is more critical than ever.

First developed in 1996, RUTF transformed the treatment of severe wasting by enabling children without medical complications to be treated at home, reducing reliance on hospitalisation, cost to families, and lowering the risk of secondary infections.Today, RUTF – as part of a community-based approach to treat wasting in children – has transformed the way life‑saving care and treatment is delivered. It has contributed to historic lows in preventable child deaths worldwide. While the 30-year milestone marks major progress in public health, it is also a call to action: the full range of nutrition treatment, including with therapeutic milk, must be scaled up so that it can withstand supply shocks, reduce costs, and help ensure every child who needs it has uninterrupted access to therapeutic food.“This small, but powerful, sachet of therapeutic food fundamentally changed the way that we treat children with severe malnutrition,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “I have seen how children suffering from wasting come alive when they’re treated with RUTF. It has empowered families by putting life‑saving treatment into their hands. No child should die from malnutrition in a world of plenty.”Key facts marking 30 years of Ready-to-use-Therapeutic Food:Children with severe wasting are too thin for their height, their immune systems weaken to the extent that ordinary childhood illnesses can become fatal, and their risk of dying increases by 12 times compared with well-nourished children.Currently, 42.8 million children are affected by wasting, of which 12.2 million have severe wasting, the deadliest form.RUTF is highly successful, with a recovery rate of nearly 90 per cent for those suffering from severe acute malnutrition.In 2025, UNICEF screened 255 million children globally for wasting and treated more than 9 million affected children.Made from peanuts, skim milk powder, oil, sugar, and essential vitamins and minerals, this therapeutic food is given to children aged 6-59 months with severe wasting.A 92g sachet of RUTF provides 500 calories, helping severely malnourished children gain weight and build immunity during treatment. Its creamy texture and slightly sweet, savoury taste make it palatable to children.RUTF comes as a thick, oil-based peanut paste for a reason – it contains zero water, which means bacteria has nothing to grow in. This formulation helps keep the therapeutic food safe in any environment, including humid conditions, and it does not require refrigeration. It has a shelf life of 24 months.Today, RUTF remains the only WHO‑recommended outpatient treatment for child wasting.UNICEF is the world’s largest procurer of RUTF. Between 2003 - 2025, UNICEF procured and delivered a total of 8.7 billion sachets of RUTF globally, fuelling recovery for millions of children.In 2023, UNICEF delivered nearly 1.1 billion sachets of RUTF in response to the global nutrition crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic – making it a record annual quantity.Ethiopia has received the highest volume of UNICEF-procured RUTF. Based on data from 2003 to 2025, 1.6 billion sachets of RUTF worth US $296 million were delivered to Ethiopia, where at least 500,000 children are treated annually for severe wasting.A carton of RUTF, containing 150 sachets, is sufficient to treat a child for 6-8 weeks, until recovery, alongside follow-up medical care and counselling.RUTF is an example of successful public private collaboration. UNICEF procures RUTF from 21 suppliers globally, 18 of which are in countries with high levels of child wasting. Local manufacturing, with the capacity to supply other countries, is essential for a rapid response to malnutrition crises, especially in the face of global supply chain disruptions.
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Notes for editors:Download multimedia content from here: https://tinyurl.com/4trjmp5eRead the 2007 joint statement by WHO, WFP, SCN and UNICEF on Community-Based Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition.Read the UNICEF Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030: Nutrition, for Every Child.
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential. For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit: www.unicef.orgFollow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
For more information, please contact:
Nadia Samie-Jacobs | UNICEF New York | +1 845 760 2615| nsamie@unicef.org
ILOPRESS RELEASEBalochistan advances labour rights with launch of dedicated unit on Fundamental Principles and Rights at WorkNew unit will support coordination, compliance and enforcement of fundamental labour rights, with a focus on vulnerable sectors and improved labour governance across the province.QUETTA, Pakistan (ILO News): The Government of Balochistan, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has established a Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) Unit, within the Department of Labour, to strengthen coordination, compliance and enforcement of labour rights across the province. This marks the first dedicated unit of its kind in Pakistan, with a focus on improving oversight and protecting workers in vulnerable sectors. The new unit was inaugurated by Geir T. Tonstol, Director of the ILO Country Office for Pakistan, in the presence of senior officials from the Government of Balochistan.Many workers in Balochistan continue to face challenges linked to informality, limited access to social protection and unsafe working conditions, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and segments of the cotton supply chain. Strengthening respect for fundamental labour rights is essential to improving working conditions, supporting fair labour markets and advancing inclusive economic growth.The FPRW unit will support awareness-raising, institutional coordination and application of core labour standards. It will also serve as a platform to enhance engagement among government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, reinforcing social dialogue and supporting compliance.Geir T. Tonstol emphasized “Fundamental principles and rights at work are central to fair labour markets and sustainable development. Strengthening respect for these principles helps improve working conditions, supports institutions and contributes to more inclusive growth. The establishment of this unit is a timely step to enhance coordination, build capacity and expand awareness, particularly in sectors where workers are most vulnerable.”The unit will also support the application of core labour standards, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, elimination of forced and child labour, non-discrimination, and promotion of safe and healthy working environments. The establishment of the unit comes at a critical time, as efforts continue to address informality and gaps in working conditions in key sectors, including parts of the cotton supply chain.Bashir Ahmed Shahwani, Director General, Department of Labour stated, “The establishment of the FPRW unit marks an important step in strengthening labour governance in Balochistan. Through this initiative, the Labour and Manpower Department is committed to promoting fundamental rights at work, strengthening coordination and enhancing protection for workers across the province.”The inauguration of the new unit was followed by discussions with senior officials from the Government of Balochistan and representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations to review progress under the Decent Work Country Programme (2024–2027) and identify priority areas for continued collaboration.Discussions focused on strengthening labour law implementation, advancing social dialogue mechanisms, and reinforcing efforts to promote freedom of association and collective bargaining. Participants also emphasized the importance of building institutional capacity and improving monitoring and enforcement systems.
Background:The ILO and INDITEX, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, entered into a partnership in 2017 to promote an integrated approach to Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) in the cotton supply chain in China, India, Mali and Pakistan, and global component in Geneva. For further information please contact:Muhammad NumanCommunication OfficerEmail: numan@ilo.orgMobile: +92 303 5000041

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05 May 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 1 May 2026

Lead Levels in Pakistan Pose Toxic Threat to ChildrenIslamabad, May 01, 2026 – Four in ten children aged 12-36 months living in high-risk areas of seven cities in Pakistan were found to have lead in their blood, according to a new study by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C) and UNICEF released yesterday. Lead exposure can stunt growth, cause anaemia, and weaken the immune system, while also lowering IQ, reducing attention span, and impairing memory, raising the risk of learning difficulties and behavioural problems.The study sampled over 2,100 children living in high-risk industrial areas in Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi, and found wide differences between locations. Children in Hattar, Haripur were the most affected, where 88 per cent had high levels of lead in their blood, compared to 1 per cent of children in Islamabad.“Protecting children from lead exposure is a national public health priority. The evidence highlights the urgent need for coordinated action across health, environment, and regulatory systems. The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening surveillance, improving enforcement of standards, and integrating prevention into child health programmes nationwide,” stated Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, Federal Secretary Health, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C).The study identified multiple sources of potential lead exposure based on global evidence, including industrial emissions, informal battery recycling, lead-based paints, contaminated spices and food, and traditional cosmetics. Lead exposure risks persist due to gaps in regulatory enforcement, monitoring, and public awareness.Global estimates suggest that the burden may be far higher, with up to 8 in 10 children in Pakistan potentially affected—among the highest rates globally. Lead exposure is linked to reduced learning ability and long-term economic losses, estimated at 6–8 per cent of GDP in Pakistan (USD 25–35 billion annually).“Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, making them especially vulnerable. Lead affects every system in the body, but its impact on developing brains can be devastating and lifelong. There is no safe level of exposure to lead for children whose harmful effects are irreversible. UNICEF is committed to strengthening evidence, advancing environmental health, and driving multi-sectoral action to protect children from this toxic threat,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.The high-level event brought together key stakeholders to review findings and agree on priority actions, highlighting the need for sustained coordination. Priorities include a national action plan to eliminate lead from high-risk products, a blood lead surveillance system within child health programmes, stronger public awareness, a government-led multi-sectoral task force, and improved evidence to guide policy and investment.“Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to child health and development. The evidence is clear that it has lifelong consequences for learning and productivity. Eliminating exposure requires urgent regulatory action, stronger enforcement, and sustained investment in prevention and child protection systems,” said Mr. Abdullah Fadil, Director, Partnership for a Lead-Free Future.To strengthen the evidence base, a nationally representative survey is planned later this year to assess lead exposure among children and pregnant women—the most vulnerable groups—and inform targeted policy and programme action.The launch coincided with the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future’s mission to Pakistan , aimed at supporting national efforts through technical exchange, partnership-building, and alignment on priority actions to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2040. About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF’s work in Pakistan, visit: https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/ For further information, please contact:
Amina Sarwar,UNICEF PakistanEmail: amsarwar@unicef.orgTel: +92 312 5190 383

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05 May 2026

Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 4 May 2026

Lahore Launches Pakistan’s First Child-Friendly City Initiative
Lahore Development Authority and UNICEF sign partnership to put children at the centre of urban planningIslamabad, 4 May 2026. Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch Pakistan’s first Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCI) in Lahore, home to over 15 million people including 5.7 million children. This global UNICEF-led initiative supports cities to become safer, more inclusive and responsive to the needs and rights of children.“This partnership marks an important step towards making Lahore a city where every child is safe, included, heard and empowered to thrive. When we design cities with children in mind, we create better spaces for everyone. UNICEF looks forward to working closely with LDA to deliver tangible results for children,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.Through this collaboration, Lahore will place children’s needs at the centre of urban planning and service delivery. The initiative aims to ensure that children and adolescents, including girls and children with disabilities, can move safely, access essential services, and participate in decisions that affect their lives.“Lahore is growing rapidly, and we must ensure that this growth benefits all citizens, especially children. This partnership will help us plan and deliver services in a way that reflects the needs of children and young people and sets a strong example for other cities in Pakistan,” said Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Vice Chairman of the Lahore Development Authority.The Child Friendly Cities Initiative is currently implemented in more than 4,000 cities and communities across over 48 countries, bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, media, and children. One of the goals is to empower children and youth to share their perspectives and participate in the decisions made by city authorities that impact their lives and future generations.Following the signing, the partnership will move into implementation. The next steps include developing a situation analysis and action plan, strengthening coordination across departments, improving data use for planning and decision-making, and expanding opportunities for children and adolescents to participate in the city’s development.The launch event concluded with a joint pledge from stakeholders—including government, private sector, civil society, media, and children and youth—marking the start of a long-term collaboration to make Lahore safer and more inclusive for every child.### For more information, please contact:

Amina SarwarCommunication Specialist
UNICEF PakistanEmail: amsarwar@unicef.orgPhone: +923125190383

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