ISLAMABAD, Nov 10: The Norwegian Government and UNDP have joined hands to address political, economic and institutional issues impeding gender equality efforts in Pakistan.

The Norwegian government in this regard has pledged to provide 25m krone ($3.8m) to the $17m Gender Support Programme.

A cost-sharing agreement to this effect was signed by the Norwegian ambassador, Mr Janis Bjorn Kanavin and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Jan J. Vandemoortele here on Thursday. The pledge is in addition to the earlier Norwegian support of $2.3 million.

The programme will provide help in policy, technical and managerial support to its national partners in designing, implementing and monitoring of policy commitments and programmes which conform with Pakistan Rural Support Programme (PRSP), National Plan of Action and Medium-Term Development Framework.