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Apwa shuts 40 projects

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Women's Association (Apwa) is shutting its about 40 projects throughout the country.

This was stated by Apwa secretary Yasmin Dastur while talking to APP here on Friday.

She said that these projects pertaining to health and family planning, are being shut due to stoppage of funding from the National Trust for Population Welfare (NETPOW).

Apwa secretary said that the NETPOW has informed Apwa regarding the stoppage of funding from December 31.

She said that the NETPOW has been providing Rs 6,000 per month for each of the centres Since1983. Apwa has been providing a matching grant for the same.

Yasmin said that the closure would result in laying off of some 200 workers at grass root level while the beneficiaries who are in hundreds would also be affected.

"For us it would be a sad start for the new year," she remarked.

She said that a meeting of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been convened on Monday to discuss the situation.

She has also appealed to the authorities to help restore the fundings for these centres so as to save them from closure. APP