The United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP) in Pakistan has warned that it is running short of almost $30 million required for purchase of edible oil and food to be provided to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), schools and health units till the end of 2009.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Amir Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer of WFP flanked by Wolfgang Herbinger, WFP Country Representative in Pakistan said the agency has only $60 million to meet its expenses for next three months against the required amount of $90 million. He warned that over 2 million IDPs would face hardships if the funds were not provided by the donors in time.
Abdullah said $200 million donations have been received so far out of the total $270 million pledged by the international community to provide food to the IDPs in Pakistan. He said that WFP is expecting the remaining $70 million pledged for meeting its day to day expenses as the agency needs $30 million every month for its activities.
To a question, the UN official said the Interior Minister has informed them that the security agencies have arrested two culprits involved in the WFP Islamabad office blast and further investigation is on. He added that the minister has promised that the investigation report regarding the blast would be ready in a week and further security measures would be taken after assessing the report.
He said WFP has full confidence in the security measures taken by the government of Pakistan to avoid any other untoward incident. The official was hopeful that the government would provide a safe place to establish new WFP office in Islamabad.
To a question, Wolfgang Herbinger said the agency has not suspended any activity and has no intention to do so. He said WFP has discussed with the authorities provision of security for its offices at different places to avoid mishaps such as the one that took place in Islamabad. He sought role of media in highlighting the humanitarian activities being carried out by WFP for the poor people of the country.
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