Hon’ble Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister (APM) has held bilateral meetings on FAO’s premises earlier today with Madame Rania Dagash, Assistant Executive Director World Food Program (WFP) and Mr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President (IFAD). Dr. Shah is representing Pakistan at FAO World Food Forum 2025.

Madame Dagash lauded Pakistan as a ‘Story to be told’ referring to Pakistan’s 6^th position globally as donor of WFP Program through its Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) with annual contribution of US$ 170mn. She noted that Pakistan is a uniquely positioned Program partner which is also a donor and is a great source of encouragement for all WFP membership. She conveyed best wishes from Executive Director (WFP) Ms. Cindy McCain who is in the USA.

Mr. Brown acknowledged Pakistan’s active engagement with IFAD and commended Pakistan’s efforts toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Welcoming the establishment of IFAD’s HCO is Islamabad last year, he reaffirmed commitment to expand existing cooperation which encompasses all territories of Pakistan. He noted with great satisfaction that Pakistan remains a priority partner state. He conveyed message of goodwill from President IFAD who is away from Italy on duty.

Both organizations expressed satisfaction and confidence at the excellent trajectory of the partnerships in their respective spheres and paid rich tribute to Mr. Sartaj Aziz (late) former Foreign Minister of who conceptualized and established IFAD during his days with FAO.

Embassy of Pakistan, Rome
October 14, 2025