The world Ambassador
TWA
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Rome, — Pakistan has strongly urged the immediate enforcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, as Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and food security situation during the 179th Session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council in Rome.
Representing Pakistan at the Council session being held from 1–5 December 2025, the Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to global food security, agricultural resilience, and effective multilateral cooperation at a time of mounting international crises.
Addressing the Council, Rana Tanveer Hussain condemned Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations and expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He warned that civilians are facing extreme deprivation, mass displacement, and severe threats to life as hostilities intensify and essential services collapse. Stressing the urgency of the situation, he stated that the international community cannot remain indifferent to the deepening human suffering and alarming levels of food insecurity in the besieged territory.
The Minister praised FAO for maintaining its operations in Gaza despite extremely dangerous and life-threatening conditions, describing the Organization’s continued presence as a powerful reflection of its humanitarian commitment. He called for strengthened international support to FAO’s efforts and urged immediate, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access to prevent further loss of innocent lives and avert an imminent famine.
Highlighting Pakistan’s active role within FAO, the Minister noted that Pakistan, a founding member of the Organization, is currently serving on the FAO Council for the 2024–2026 term. He welcomed Pakistan’s unanimous election by consensus to continue on the Council for the 2027–2029 term, describing it as a clear endorsement of Pakistan’s principled engagement, institutional experience, and valuable contributions to FAO’s global mission. He emphasized that the upcoming term will be particularly significant as FAO undertakes key internal reforms to strengthen governance, efficiency, and long-term strategic direction.
The Minister further underscored Pakistan’s membership of the FAO Finance Committee, noting that it enables Pakistan to play an influential role in shaping the Organization’s budgetary priorities, administrative reforms, and accountability mechanisms. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting efficient resource utilization and enhancing assistance to vulnerable food systems worldwide.
On the sidelines of the Council session, Rana Tanveer Hussain is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the FAO Director-General and the Italian Minister for Agriculture to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food security, and capacity-building.
Pakistan reaffirmed its steadfast support for FAO’s Strategic Framework through proactive engagement and meaningful collaboration, reiterating its enduring commitment to global efforts to eradicate hunger, build resilient agricultural systems, and promote sustainable food security for all.
