The Muslim INGO Forum Pakistan (MIF) which links together Muslim INGOs operating in Pakistan announced today that this Ramazan they are joining together to distribute Ramazan food packs to poor families in Balochistan. Initially, 20,000 people will benefit from these Ramazan food packs which contain enough supplies for one month for a family of 6-8 members.
The MIF spokesperson said during a Press Conference held here on Friday at National Press Club, Islamabad, added that the food packs contain dates, flour, lentils, cooking oil, sugar, tea and milk.
"Ramazan is a time for reflection and doing what we can to help those less fortunate than ourselves," mentioned the MIF spokesperson. "Each year Muslim INGOs distribute food packs individually but this year as a pilot project, all Muslim INGOs in Pakistan are uniting to work together to deliver more and the experience of working together has proven to be successful.
The purpose of these distributions is to ensure that timely food packs should be given to poor families to help them in Ramazan which will increase food security for the most vulnerable households in food deficient areas of Balochistan.
While highlighting food security in Pakistan, MIF members said about one- third of the population does not have access to food needed for adequate nutrition which is manifested by the widespread incidence of malnutrition. Policy makers, planners and development agencies must address the issues of food security and malnutrition in children and mothers which has reached 27 percent in Sindh.
MIF stressed the need to develop policies for sustainable household food security, assessment of nutritional needs, strengthening of food control system and improving preparedness and disasters response.
MIF members said that Pakistan is a great country with a great potential but suffers from natural and man-made disasters where the poor have suffered the most. Those living in the rural areas comprising 60 to 70 percent of the population who contribute greatly to the economy of the country but they do not have enough food to eat.
"MIF aims to support and help build communities especially when they are affected by big calamities like last year's floods." All Muslim donor countries and INGOs helped their Pakistani brethren in their time of trial and distress. MIF urges the media to help us highlighting the issue of the poor and give objective coverage to those Muslim NGOs who are doing a marvellous job here in Pakistan without regard to caste, religion or political affiliation. During earthquake and floods, Muslims INGOs have been on the forefront to cope with the disasters and we are still engaged to rehabilitate flood-hit communities.
To address food security, MIF member organisations have supported over 50,000 households in Pakistan with agriculture inputs. Over 20,000 households have already been benefited with livestock veterinary and feed support while over 10,000 schools, hospitals, drainages schemes and houses have been constructed for the deserving communities. All together approximately an amount of $30 million has been spent by Muslim INGOs under Pakistan Flood Response Programme.-PR
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