https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Dec 5 (Alliance News): Melinda Bohannon, Director General for Humanitarian and Development at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, completed her first visit to Pakistan, marking a decade of the UK’s significant investment in Karandaaz, amounting to £154.7 million.
This initiative has contributed to over 1.1 million jobs, more than half of which were held by women, and has generated over PKR 230 billion in additional income for Pakistani businesses.
During her 3-day visit, Bohannon met with Pakistan’s Minister of Finance to discuss progress on the IMF-supported programme and the UK’s ongoing technical assistance for economic reforms.
She also engaged with the Sub-Committee of the Anti-Rape Act 2021, chaired by the Secretary of Law and Justice, celebrating the launch of Pakistan’s first National Sex Offender Register.
In Haripur, Bohannon met with dedicated teachers and women providing essential family planning services through mobile outreach camps, emphasizing the UK’s role in supporting community-driven change.
She praised private sector leaders working with Karandaaz, who are mobilizing capital for small and medium enterprises and developing innovative financial solutions.
Bohannon also attended the British High Commission’s final Chevening ‘Climate Connects’ debate, gathering alumni from the UK’s prestigious scholarship programme to discuss COP29’s ‘Just Transition’ outcomes. Earlier debates were held in Karachi on green growth and Lahore on urbanisation.
Highlighting the UK’s contributions to climate resilience, Bohannon visited the groundwater recharging project in Mirpur, KPK, where she learned about nature-based solutions aiding local communities in adapting to climate challenges.
To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, she met young disabled female leaders supported by the British High Commission.
These leaders advocate for accessible public transport, job quotas, and assist individuals in accessing disability cards, demonstrating how UK-backed initiatives empower communities and inspire positive change.
