Pakistan can reach the status of an Asian tiger once its malnutrition issues are resolved, as control of stunting will ensure better productive population.
BISP biggest impact for Pakistan is not just poverty reduction but contribution to GDP through population with better IQ as better nutrition results in better IQ. BISP cash transfer has led to reduction in malnutrition among girls by 11pc.
This was stated by Minister of State and BISP Chairperson MNA Marvi Memon in a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General and Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Ms Gerda Verburg.
Ms Gerda Verburg applauded the significant role that BISP has played in enhancing the wellbeing of the poorest. She said that better nutrition may result in an increase in domestic growth by 3pc. To improve the nutrition status in the country the participation by the private sector is critical. So, there is strong need to bring together all stakeholders to collaborate and contribute towards the efforts being made for fixing the malnutrition.
While offering the BISP database to all stakeholders, Marvi added that nutrition planning utilizing the BISP data would be better targeted to the poor and would result in maximum impact. BISP serves 5.4 million poorest of the poor women and through the platform of 50,000 BISP beneficiary committees (BBCs) it can contribute significantly towards improving the nutrition status in Pakistan. She asked the SUN coordinator to share nutrition modules, so they can be used in educating BISP beneficiaries on nutrition.
