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MULTAN, Jan 26 (APP):Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday called upon philanthropists and civil society
organisations to strengthen government efforts aimed at eradicating poverty, stressing that
the state alone cannot overcome the challenge.
Addressing an event titled “PPAF’s Community Infrastructure and Economic Empowerment Initiatives in Punjab,” Gilani said meaningful progress in poverty alleviation required collective action and public-private partnership.
He urged civil society and philanthropists to actively support government initiatives for the welfare of the underprivileged segments of society.
He lauded the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and its 63 partner organisations for their significant contributions, including the provision of interest-free loans and investments in health and education sectors. Gilani also acknowledged the efforts of Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, describing his role as crucial in mitigating poverty across the country.
Recalling his tenure as prime minister, Gilani said he had launched the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to support the poor and vulnerable families. He highlighted that women were declared heads of households under the programme to empower them economically and socially.
The Senate chairman praised PPAF’s teamwork and expressed satisfaction over its services nationwide. Referring to the displacement of around 2.5 million people during security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under a previous PPP government, he said the internally displaced persons were successfully rehabilitated within 90 days, calling it an unprecedented achievement.
Gilani said that during the global recession, his government focused on strengthening agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, which resulted in bumper crops and exports of wheat, sugar, rice and cotton. He stressed that sustainable progress would remain elusive unless farmers, women and children were economically empowered.
He also suggested that the Sindh Development Organization be included as a PPAF partner to enhance development efforts. Gilani noted that UNICEF had provided substantial funding to the Sindh government for investments in health and education.
Earlier, PPAF Chief Executive Officer Nadir Gul highlighted the organisation’s initiatives, stating that it had invested in nearly 390 education projects and about 90 health projects. He recalled PPAF’s relief work after the 2005 earthquake, including the construction of 12,200 houses and provision of food to over 49,000 families, and health assistance after 2025 floods. He added that around 2,000 BISP beneficiary families were trained in livelihood skills, including fisheries.
Deputy Coordination Officer, Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (COV-CVE), Dr Ahmad Khawar Shahzad, outlined government measures to combat poverty and promote peace.
PPP MNA Sami Gilani, Deputy Secretary SED South Punjab Khil Mazhar Siddiqi, CEO Education Dr Safdar Wagha, and representatives of partner NGOs were also present.