LAHORE: US Ambassador Donald Blome says his government is providing nearly $85 million in funding to address the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan, including $12m to treat severely malnourished children.

He stated this during a visit to the offices of two American companies to learn more about the ongoing US-Pakistan collaborations in the IT and health sectors.

He appreciated a pharmaceutical firm for its work to combat malnutrition and other global health challenges.

On the last day of his visit to Lahore, Mr Blome met the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the officials of the Punjab government to explore opportunities to strengthen the US-Pakistan partnership in the province. He attended meetings and events focused on US-Pakistan collaborations in the fields of IT, health, and culture. US Consul General in Lahore Kristin Hawkins joined Ambassador Blome for his series of engagements.

The ambassador met acting governor and Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Punjab Assembly Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar. The ambassador highlighted US interest in strengthening trade and investment relations with Pakistan and discussed the positive impacts of initiatives under the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’ framework.

Later, he visited the Forman Christian College to see a USAID-constructed women’s dormitory and the US-funded Education USA office, which was providing free advising services on study opportunities in the United States. Another highlight of his trip was attending a concert at the Lahore Fort by Raining Jane, a band comprising of four American women.

“Back home in the United States, Raining Jane has played a leadership role in supporting girls’ dreams of becoming musicians, by establishing a Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls in Los Angeles,” Mr Blome said.

“I’m so pleased they are able to be here to inspire the next generation of Pakistani musicians, both women and men, to be influential leaders in their own communities,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2024