Ms. Lina M. Mousa, UNFPA representative in Pakistan called on Federal Minister for IPC, Dr Fehmida Mirza today at her office.
Federal Minister for IPC, Dr Fehmida Mirza, held a meeting with Ms. Lina M. Mousa, United Nations Population Fund representative in Pakistan. Dr Fehmida explained her in detail regarding the role of the ministry of IPC. Minister greatly appreciated UNFPA's working in Pakistan. However, she underscored that in sports the contribution from the organization is not very forthcoming.
Dr Fehmida while acknowledging the fact that Pakistan is facing currently the challenge of overpopulation stated” it is a fact that one of the biggest challenges that we are facing today is overpopulation and more than 60% of our population comprises the youth of under 30 years, therefore the best way to channelize their energies is through sports .
Ms. Lina apprised the Minister regarding functioning and the role that UNFPA is playing in Pakistan. She stated that they are working with the government of Pakistan to bring down the maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Moreover, the organization is creating awareness about family planning which in turn would lead to improved maternal and fetal health. She further elaborated that they have been working on gender-based violence issues, early child marriages, besides supporting youth development programs.
Dr Fehmida Mirza highlighted that after the passage of 18th amendment, subjects like maternal health and family planning related issues have been devolved to the provinces. However, under the domain of the Ministry of IPC she is working towards “cooperative federalism”. Under Council of Common Interest(CCI),such issues are raised and a consensus is developed between the provinces and the federal government that how these issues are to be dealt with.
Ms. Lina highly commended the efforts of the Minister that she rendered towards women empowerment and appreciated that it was her hard work that resulted in the formation of “women parliamentary caucuses”. She also praised the Minister for having fought against cancer like debilitating disease in an audacious manner and expressed that she was a source of inspiration, a role model for all the females to follow.
Meanwhile, when the minister brought the attention of UNFPA representative to add their share of contribution towards promotion of sports as well, Ms. Lina assured the Minister that their organization will extend full support in not only creating awareness by running campaigns but also through provision of the utilities to the players. Besides this, she proposed that best practices from other countries pertaining to the domain of “sports” could be replicated in Pakistan for which they will extend their full support.
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