ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s upper house of Parliament unanimously passed a resolution on Monday urging the global community, including the Pakistani government, to enhance security measures for humanitarian workers.
The resolution, presented by Senator Sania Nishtar from the opposition benches and former chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program, highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of those engaged in humanitarian efforts.
The resolution stated, “The Senate observes World Humanitarian Day on August 19, acknowledging the selfless endeavors of humanitarian workers and organizations globally who work tirelessly to save and protect lives, mitigating human suffering.”
The Senate also paid tribute to frontline humanitarian workers who lost their lives while performing their duties. The resolution expressed gratitude for the global community’s humanitarian assistance to Pakistan during last year’s devastating floods.
235 Attacks on Humanitarian Workers
Expressing concern, the Senate highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of humanitarian workers worldwide to violence and attacks. In 2022, there were 235 major attacks, including one in Pakistan, jeopardizing the safety and security of those committed to life-saving efforts.
The Senate called on the Government of Pakistan to strengthen its support for humanitarian endeavors, both domestically and internationally. The support should be extended through diplomatic, financial, and logistical means, fostering collaboration with other governments and multilateral organizations.
