ISLAMABAD: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding of $200 million with Pakistan to support the government’s flagship poverty alleviation “Ehsaas” program that aims to reduce socio-economic inequalities by investing in people.
At a meeting in New York, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr. Sania Nishtar signed the document with President of Global Development at the Foundation Chris Elias.
The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the American business tycoon and philanthropist, Bill Gates.
According to the MoU, the $200 million promised by the Foundation will fund 134 poverty alleviation projects under the Ehsaas program.
“I’m pleased that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will assist with a range of activities including accelerating stunting reduction programs, supporting financial inclusion initiatives and investing in public health systems to improve health and reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said at the occasion.
The “Ehsaas” program was launched on March 27, 2019, by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf administration.
“Ehsaas is about the creation of a ‘welfare state’ by countering elite capture and leveraging 21st century tools—such as using data and technology to create precision safety nets; promoting financial inclusion and access to digital services; supporting the economic empowerment of women; focusing on the central role of human capital formation for poverty eradication, economic growth and sustainable development; and overcoming financial barriers to accessing health and post-secondary education,” the prime minister’s policy statement explained.
The program covers projects ranging from building homes for the homeless to ensuring financial independence for women and family planning initiatives.
Bill, Melinda Gates pour $200 million in Pakistan's poverty alleviation program
Bill, Melinda Gates pour $200 million in Pakistan's poverty alleviation program
- The funds will be used for 134 poverty alleviation projects under the “Ehsaas” program
- The program is designed to reduce socio-economic inequalities in the country
Pakistan expands crypto engagement with appearance at Mar-a-Lago finance forum
- Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Chairman Bilal bin Saqib attends World Liberty Financial event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate
- Discussions focused on future of global financial infrastructure, digital assets, stablecoins, capital markets innovation, says Saqib’s office
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairman and Minister of State Bilal bin Saqib joined global finance leaders at an event hosted by World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to US President Donald Trump’s family, Saqib’s office said on Thursday.
The event was hosted by World Liberty Financial, a crypto-based finance platform launched in September 2024 linked to Trump’s family. According to Saqib’s office, the gathering was held at Mar-a-Lago, the private estate and club owned by Trump in Florida.
Speakers and attendees at the event included David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, Adena Friedman, chairperson and CEO of Nasdaq as well as Lynn Martin, president of the New York Stock Exchange, Saqib’s office said. The event was organized and hosted by Eric Trump and American businesspersons Zach Witkoff and Alex Witkoff.
“Discussions focused on the future of global financial infrastructure, digital assets, stablecoins, capital markets innovation and the evolving relationship between regulation and emerging financial technologies,” the statement said.
It said Saqib’s attendance at the event reflected Pakistan’s growing engagement with global discussions shaping the next phase of financial and technological transformation.
“As Pakistan moves toward modernizing its financial infrastructure and strengthening its position in the global digital economy, such high-level engagements signal increasing international recognition of the country’s regulatory direction and leadership,” the statement added.
Last month, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with a company affiliated with World Liberty Financial to explore the use of a dollar-linked stablecoin for cross-border payments.
Pakistan has stepped up efforts recently to regulate its digital asset sector and is exploring digital currency initiatives as part of broader measures to reduce cash usage.
