ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: The welfare of Afghan women both inside and outside Afghanistan will not be at the cost of Unicef programme in Pakistan which is set to increase, stated Unicef executive director Carol Bellamy.

She expressed commitment to Pakistan’s efforts for the welfare and rehabilitation of Afghan refugees for their safe repatriation to Afghanistan.

Federal Minister for Women Dr Attiya Inayatullah said the government will provide maximum facilities for the elevation of women status both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

She made this observation in a meeting with Unicef executive director Ms Bellamy here on Tuesday. The Unicef representative in Pakistan Ms Carroll Long accompanied Ms Bellamy.

During the meeting they discussed issues related to women and children in Pakistan. Ms Carol expressed satisfaction over the government endeavours to elevate the status of women both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

She said neighbouring countries have been affected by the spillover of Afghan issue, hence, a lot of area needs to be focused.

She said Unicef is already involved in the demining programme in Afghanistan, adding, the survival is the main problem for the people of Afghanistan and Unicef is gearing up its efforts to play an effective role in achieving these objectives.

On indication of a specific requirement for the street children, Ms Bellamy pledged support for covering this area in the Unicef programmes. She also praised the “Tawana Pakistan Programme”. Dr Inayatullah said with the initial cost of Rs2.5 billion, 5,000 schools will be selected in 20 districts and the girls enrolled there will get free food, vitamins and medical aid, under this programme.

The project aimed at improving the nutrition status of poor girls will also result in improving girls enrolment in schools.

Ms Bellamy said the programme had potential to improve nutrition and reduce child and maternal mortality.