Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Paragraph: 34
Like much of the world, Pakistan has been significantly impacted by covid-19.
Conclusion
Like much of the world, Pakistan has been significantly impacted by covid-19. It is clear in Pakistan that marginalised and vulnerable groups have been disproportionately affected.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states that COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities and outlines £88.2 million in spending in 2020 responding to COVID-19 in Pakistan including support for testing, education, economic stimulus, and helplines.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
Response: COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities in Pakistan and increased the risk of reversals in gains made so far in poverty reduction, gender equality and human rights. In 2020, we spent £88.2 million responding to the Government of Pakistan’s priorities on COVID-19 response. • £21 million was committed under the Pakistan Multi-Year Humanitarian Programme. • Our economic growth portfolio pivoted to respond to COVID-19. We provided £139,350 to one of the leading diagnostic chains, Excel Labs, to build their capacity to conduct COVID-19 tests. • Our education portfolio explicitly addresses catch-up learning for girls and marginalised groups, whose education was impacted by COVID-19. UK aid to Pakistan: Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Committee, Session 2021–22 ix • Through governance programming we supported the development of an economic stimulus and social protection mechanism to address the impact of COVID-19 worth £778 million in Punjab and a similar package in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) worth £161 million. • We are collaborating with UNFPA and a local NGO to strengthen multiple government-run helplines for women and marginalised people who experienced or were at risk of stress, abuse and gender-based violence, including due to the pandemic.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗