BISP bid farewell to Argentinean ambassador Rodolfo J. Martin-Saravia with a talk on BISP and poverty alleviation in order to acknowledge his contributions towards poorest people of the country. Minister of State and Chairperson BISP MNA Marvi Memon commended Ambassador Rodolfo on his untiring efforts towards poverty alleviation. The Chairperson stated that the Ambassador has set high diplomatic standards; he would be remembered as not only friend to Pakistan but also friend to the poorest people of Pakistan. The Chairperson reiterated that Rodolfo is the real man behind Argentina’s recognition in Pakistan and undoubtedly he can be called as Islamabad’s diplomatic rock star.
Ambassadors of Spain and Jordan, Senator Usman Kakar, MNA Azhar Bilal Jadoon, Secretary Information Imran Gardezi, Secretary Climate change Muhammad Abu Akif, former ASmbassador Masood Khan, Additional Secretary CADD Qaiser Majeed, Additional Secretary Textile Rubina Wasti and DG PHA Tariq Jameel attended the event.
Former Ambassador Masood khan, in his talk on BISP and social safety nets, referred to poverty as a crime against humanity. He stated that it is a collective responsibility to end poverty in all its forms. To achieve this we need to focus on the most impoverished excluded and marginalized segments of society irrespective of geography and ethnicity. SDGs like zero hunger, food security and improved nutrition, healthy lives and education for all rest on the most critical and pivotal goal that is poverty alleviation.
Masood khan stressed that poverty alleviation is all about addressing inequality and inclusive growth. It ensures national as well as international security. It was highlighted that establishment of national socio-economic registry, women empowerment, human capital development are BISP’s singular signature achievements.
Ex- ambassador Khan concluded that to make Pakistan vibrant and robust economic hub, the involvement of philanthropy and leveraging market forces to end poverty is essential. It is high time to realize that the private sector is government’s partner in job creation, ensuring social security and improving life standards. It was highlighted that BISP’s initiative on E-commerce inaugurated by Queen Maxima –UN Secretary General’s special advocate on inclusive finance would not only improve beneficiaries handicraft skills but also provide market access making them self sufficient.
Ambassador Rodolfo acknowledged the outstanding services rendered by BISP in alleviating poverty. He stated that BISP has made strides in reducing extreme poverty, empowering women and education of beneficiary children. He paid a rich tribute to Chairperson BISP Marvi Memon on her leadership and dynamic approach that serves to lift millions of people out of dark recesses of poverty. The ambassador vowed that friendship with people of Pakistan nurtured over a decade would continue in future as well.
Rodolfo J. Martin-Saravia is the outgoing ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan. He has been ambassador to Pakistan since August 2004 and has also served as the non-resident Argentine Ambassador to Afghanistan and Tajikistan since 2005 and 2011 respectively. In March 2014, he was conferred the Hilal-e-Pakistan, the second highest civilian award in Pakistan, by President Mamnoon Hussain. Pakistan and Argentina are members of Uniting for Consensus (UfC) and share similar views for reform and revitalization of the United Nations.
PREVIOUS NEXT
