ISLAMABAD: The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations has received a contribution of 116 metric tonnes of dates from Saudi Arabia to help its food and nutrition assistance for vulnerable families in Pakistan.

The WFP is distributing palm dates to more than 10,000 families in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it was announced on Friday.

“Saudi dates are not only delicious, but also rich in minerals and vitamins. They will provide much needed nutrition to all members of the family,” said WFP Pakistan Representative and Country Director Chris Kaye.

A healthy and nutritious snack commonly used for breaking of the fast, the Saudi dates were initially planned to be distributed ahead of the holy month of Ramazan in April and May.

However, their arrival was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a WFP press release said.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2021