The US Consul General in Lahore, Stetson Sanders, on Wednesday highlighted the “enduring partnership” between the United States and Pakistan during his visit to South Punjab. The trip focused on American-funded flood relief, education, and cultural preservation initiatives.
During the consul general visits to flood-affected Jalalpur Pirwala, Sanders toured a health and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) project supported by UNICEF with US government funding. He observed child malnutrition screening, distribution of therapeutic food, and restoration of water and sanitation facilities. Sanders also met with mothers, caregivers, and frontline health workers.
According to the US mission, Washington has provided $1 million to UNICEF’s emergency flood response. The funding has enabled the screening of over 44,000 children and treatment for 2,300 severely malnourished children. The assistance also supports micronutrient services for more than 15,000 mothers, safe drinking water access for nearly 11,000 people, and hygiene and disease-prevention outreach to over 58,000 women and children in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“These efforts are saving lives today and reducing long-term health risks for children and families,” Sanders said, praising UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and local health workers for their response to the floods.
In Multan, the consul general visits included the inauguration of the US-funded restoration of the historic Ghanta Ghar, a project aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism-led economic development.
Sanders also attended a ceremony for 450 graduates of the US-funded English Access Scholarship Programme from Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan. The programme helps students from underserved communities improve English-language skills and expand educational and employment opportunities.
Additionally, Sanders met members of the Pakistan-US Alumni Network from South Punjab. They shared how exchange programmes have helped them contribute to economic growth, innovation, energy security, and sustainable development initiatives in Pakistan.
The consul general visits underline the United States’ commitment to humanitarian support, education, and cultural preservation in Pakistan, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
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