WFP emergency supplies
The emergency supplies of United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP) may expire in AJK due to unclear policy of the Pakistan’s government with regards to operations of NGOs in the country. The WFP initiated an emergency programme for Neelum Valley by procuring 570 tonnes of supplies which included wheat and pulses. The emergency supplies were supposed to be given to 6,062 families in the area.
In order to provide these emergency supplies, the WFP engaged a national NGO, ACT, which has presence in Pakistan and the AJK region. The AJK government also gave the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the said NGO, a copy of which is available with the Factfile.
However, it has been informed that the Pakistani government has stopped the organization to provide emergency relief supplies to the poverty stricken people in the Neelum valley. This may result in expiry and degradation of these food items.
The issue is alarming due to the fact that the country has witnessed a severe crisis of food shortage and the prices of food items have significantly shot up in the previous few months. The federal government has allowed tax free import of wheat and sugar to control rising prices.
An official has commented on the basis of anonymity that the government has no clear policy of dealing with the emergency programmes and this is a clear example of how Pakistani government manages such initiatives.
