Pakistan highlights food security, climate resilience and Kashmir cause at FAO meetings in Rome
Pakistan marked a strong diplomatic presence in Rome as Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister (APM), represented the country at the FAO World Food Forum. During the visit, he held a series of high-level engagements with the heads of Rome-based UN agencies, including the Director General of FAO, Vice President of IFAD and Assistant Executive Director of WFP. These strategic discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in food security, agrifood systems, climate resilience and development programs.
At FAO headquarters, Dr. Shah met separately with six directors heading key departments such as Food & Nutrition, Agrifood Economics, Animal Production, Innovation, Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment. The meetings reviewed ongoing initiatives while exploring fresh avenues for future collaboration.
Representing Pakistan at the Poverty Reduction Session—co-hosted by China and Brazil—APM highlighted the country’s social protection achievements. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) received wide appreciation for its success in poverty alleviation and was acknowledged as a leading model for developing countries.
Pakistan’s Chilgoza Pine Restoration Project received international recognition at the UN World Restoration Flagship event, where Dr. Shah accepted the award. On the occasion, he presented Pakistan’s world-famous chilghozas to the FAO leadership as a gesture of goodwill, which became a highlight of the ceremony.
Dr. Shah also delivered Pakistan’s National Statement at the Water Forum, making a firm and well-argued defense of the Indus Waters Treaty. Earlier, he represented Pakistan at the “Restoration Initiative” awards ceremony, where Pakistan was among the recipient nations for its ecological restoration work.
As part of his engagements, the Advisor presided over a significant Kashmir Black Day event at the Embassy of Pakistan in Rome. Shields of appreciation were awarded to Italian citizens for their contributions in fields such as climate advocacy, scientific research on glaciers, media, sports, interfaith harmony and social services.
A major highlight was the conferment of Sitara-e-Imtiaz upon Italian former MEP Fabio Massimo Castaldo for championing the Kashmir cause at the European Union. Castaldo reaffirmed his commitment to raising his voice against human rights violations in Kashmir and urged action on UN Security Council Resolutions guaranteeing a plebiscite.
Dr. Shah also announced the establishment of a new Honorary Consulate of Pakistan in Naples, further strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach in Italy.
During informal interactions, he invited three Pakistani-origin players from Italy’s World Cup–qualifying national cricket team to visit Pakistan and participate in a Bilateral Friendship Cup, enhancing people-to-people ties through sports diplomacy.
Pakistan’s participation at the Water Forum and the broader engagement with Rome-based UN organizations helped reinforce partnerships across multiple sectors. Meanwhile, interactions with Italian civil society and the Pakistani community strengthened cultural and diplomatic bridges between the two countries.