Karachi: The Sindh government, in partnership with a non-governmental organization (NGO), has started a free meal programme in government schools located in underprivileged areas of the province.
Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah launched the programme on Friday at the Government Boys Primary School in Murad Memon Goth, Malir.
In the first phase, the programme aims to provide daily meals to around 100,000 students in poor areas.
A spokesperson for the education minister said the Sindh government will fund the project, while the NGO, Allah Walay Trust, will handle the kitchen operations, food delivery, and distribution. The aim is to ensure food quality and transparency.
Minister Sardar Shah said that a lack of nutrition affects children’s ability to learn. He pointed out that many children in poor areas suffer from malnutrition, and balanced food is important for their growth and health.
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“We are starting a journey that will meet children’s nutritional needs and help them fight diseases,” he said.
He added that around the world, school meal programmes have shown good results in improving learning.
The minister also said that Pakistan is among the ten poorest countries in the world, with 42% of the population living below the poverty line. In such conditions, many parents cannot provide healthy food to their children. When students get food in school, their attendance and interest in learning improve.
He called the programme a support system for poor families, saying that one free meal in school can also help reduce household expenses.
He also praised Allah Walay Trust for its commitment to serving the community.
Speaking about the project, Trust Chairperson Shahid Lone said that from today, 700 students at the Murad Memon Goth school will receive one free hot meal every day. The plan is to expand the programme to more schools in the future.
He added that central kitchens will be set up to cook the meals and deliver them at proper temperatures. Students will also be given facilities to wash their hands before and after meals.
Additional Secretary Dr. Fauzia Khan said the programme’s impact will be checked through different methods.
To measure the results, students’ Body Mass Index (BMI) will be recorded before the start of the programme and again after four months. This will help monitor the children’s growth and health improvements.
