KP Assembly and UNFPA signs MoU to enhance social development

On this occasion, a productive discussion took place between the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, and UNFPA Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh. The discussion focused on social development, women’s rights, and sustainable growth. Speaker Babar Saleem Swati termed this collaboration as a significant step toward the province’s socio-economic development and emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and UNFPA would work together for the betterment of civil society.

The MoU was signed by Special Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Syed Waqar Shah, and UNFPA Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh, while Speaker Babar Saleem Swati witnessed the signing ceremony.

This MoU provides a framework to strengthen policymaking, legislation, and awareness campaigns on family planning, gender equality, youth empowerment, and social development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Under this collaboration, a parliamentary forum on population matters will be established to oversee and advocate for legislation related to family planning, gender issues, and youth affairs. The technical capacity of parliamentarians will be enhanced through training programs and research-based policy recommendations. Furthermore, a legislative review mechanism will be introduced to ensure existing laws align with emerging needs, particularly focusing on preventing child marriages. Additionally, a centralized research and data hub will be set up to support evidence-based policymaking.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati highlighted that this collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and stressed that balanced population growth, public health, and women’s empowerment are essential for societal stability.

At the conclusion of the event, the UNFPA delegation was presented with a commemorative shield from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.