https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, July 01 (Alliance News): AgriDirect Private Limited and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PRCS-KP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on addressing pressing issues of climate change and food security in Pakistan.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor House in Islamabad in the presence of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi.
The MoU was signed by Shahroz Khattak, Chief Executive Officer of AgriDirect, and Habib Malik Orakzai, Chairman of the PRCS-KP.
Senior officials from both organizations also attended the event, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership that aims to build community resilience, enhance emergency preparedness, and formulate informed policy recommendations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating that climate change and food insecurity are among the most serious challenges facing Pakistan today.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would serve as a model of how the private sector and humanitarian organizations can come together to provide practical, long-term solutions. 
Under the agreement, both organizations will engage in joint research initiatives, develop strategies to strengthen community engagement, build institutional capacity, and establish effective frameworks for responding to emergencies.
The goal is to ensure that the lessons learned from on-the-ground efforts are translated into sound policy actions, enabling Pakistan to better withstand environmental and food-related risks.
Shahroz Khattak, CEO of AgriDirect, described the partnership as a meaningful step toward aligning technology, innovation, and research with social impact.
He underscored the need for climate-smart agriculture and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. Khattak also reiterated AgriDirect’s commitment to working with local communities, empowering them through knowledge-sharing and tools that enhance productivity while preserving environmental resources.
Chairman Habib Malik Orakzai of PRCS-KP noted that climate-related disasters have already disrupted the lives and livelihoods of millions, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other vulnerable regions.
He stressed the importance of community-driven approaches, asserting that policies and programs must be built with an understanding of local needs and realities.
According to him, the MoU marks a vital milestone in developing a structured response to crises like droughts, floods, and food shortages.
The agreement holds particular importance in the context of Pakistan’s climate vulnerability. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and water scarcity have already begun to affect agricultural output, threatening food security for millions. At the same time, rapid population growth and urbanization continue to put added pressure on natural resources.
The partnership seeks to break the cycle of reactive aid by focusing on proactive planning and sustainable development.
Rather than relying solely on donor funding, the MoU envisions a self-reliant model that encourages local investment, cross-sector collaboration, and the implementation of best practices.
One of the central pillars of the agreement is inclusive community engagement. Both organizations intend to roll out awareness campaigns, training sessions, and participatory research that involve citizens — particularly youth and marginalized groups — in climate and food security efforts.
The belief is that by educating and equipping local populations, the impact of these initiatives will be longer-lasting and more transformative.
Governor Kundi commended the initiative for its holistic approach and called on other organizations to replicate this model.
He reiterated the government’s willingness to support efforts that aim to strengthen climate resilience and ensure food availability for future generations.
The agreement is also aligned with Pakistan’s commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those concerning climate action, zero hunger, and strategic partnerships.
Through this collaboration, both AgriDirect and PRCS-KP hope to contribute to national progress by addressing the gaps in research, policy, and implementation that have long hindered development.
Dr. Zainab Tariq, a senior advisor at AgriDirect, remarked that this partnership demonstrates how data, science, and grassroots knowledge can be integrated to build a forward-looking policy landscape.
She added that coordinated efforts such as these are crucial for tackling complex challenges like food insecurity and environmental degradation.
As Pakistan continues to face the dual threats of climate change and economic instability, the MoU between AgriDirect and PRCS-KP is a timely intervention. It offers a practical framework for collaboration and sets the stage for impactful, measurable outcomes.
The ceremony concluded with renewed commitment from both parties to ensure that the goals outlined in the MoU are pursued with dedication, transparency, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
The hope is that this partnership will become a catalyst for similar alliances nationwide and encourage institutions to invest in solutions that are community-led, research-backed, and future-focused.
