ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday agreed to strengthen cooperation on national food security policy and nutrition.

The agreement was reached in a meeting between Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Anita Hirsch, representative and country director of WFP.

Issues like enhanced cooperation on food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture were discussed.

Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration on post-harvest management, grain storage, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, food fortification, and digital solutions for resilient food systems.

They also agreed to strengthen coordination with Food and Agriculture Organisation, Interna­tional Fund for Agricultural Development and other development partners to support the National Food Security Policy and achieve sustainable food systems transformation

Welcoming the WFP delegation, the minister appreciated WFP’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan and acknowledged its valuable contributions to humanitarian assistance, nutrition, and food security initiatives.

He informed the delegation that the government has initiated work on a comprehensive National Food Security Policy based on a food systems approach.

The minister sought WFP’s technical assistance in integrating nutrition, digital innovation, and international best practices into the policy framework.

Mr Hussain appreciated WFP’s support through the Benazir Nashonuma Programme and its resilience-building and emergency response initiatives, emphasising that Pakistan values WFP’s continued partnership in strengthening food security and improving nutrition outcomes.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with WFP to advance national food security priorities, improve nutrition, and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

Ms Anita Hirsch welcomed the initiative and assured of WFP’s full technical support for the policy formulation process. She highlighted WFP’s expertise in grain storage, post-harvest management, supply chain optimisation, food fortification, and nutrition programmes.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2026