ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that the government was fully committed to combat the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan.

He was talking to World Food Programme’s Special Adviser on Mother and Child Nutrition and Princess of Jordan Sarah Zeid, who called on him in Islamabad.

The prime minister mentioned that in his very first address to the nation, he had committed to address the severest form of malnutrition, including the prevalence of stunted growth in children in the country as a matter of priority for his government.

He apprised the princess of the steps taken by the government of Pakistan under Ehsaas and other poverty alleviation programs, concerning women’s empowerment.

Also Read: Govt to spend Rs538 bn to deal with malnutrition, stunted growth

Prime Minister Imran appreciated her dedication to increase awareness about mother and child nutrition.

Princess Sarah Zeid of Jordan briefed him on her engagements in Pakistan during the visit and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts including the prioritization of mother and child nutrition.

She also appreciated the personal leadership of the prime minister on the issue of stunting and malnutrition, describing it as “inspirational and critically important”.

On Nov 8, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza had said the government had prepared a comprehensive program valuing 538 billion rupees to deal with the issue of malnutrition and stunted growth.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, Dr Zafar Mirza had asked the provinces to give their recommendations by Nov 15 to give final shape to the nutrition programme.

He had said approval of PC-1 for the program would be sought from Central Development Working Party by Nov 30 so that it could be launched from early next year. Dr Zafar Mirza had said children were the future of Pakistan and without spending on their health, the national development targets could not be achieved.