Key facts about the housing programme:

• The programme will offer housing loans of Rs10 million.
• A total of 500,000 housing units will be constructed.
• The total allocation for the programme is Rs3.2 trillion.
• Loans are to be returned in 20 years with a 5% markup for the first 10 years.
• The government aims to fund 50,000 houses in the first year with Rs321 billion allocated.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of protecting children’s health. He pledged zero tolerance on polio and lead exposure threats. These issues pose serious risks to children’s development.

Government statements on child health:

• “Protecting children’s future remains a top priority,” said Shehbaz Sharif.
• “The government is taking priority measures to safeguard the future of the nation’s children,” he added.
• A delegation commended, “The steps taken under your leadership to protect children from polio and other deadly diseases are commendable.”

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has committed €160 million to support these initiatives. UNICEF will collaborate on efforts related to child health, focusing on polio eradication and reducing lead exposure.

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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, “For three years, children across Sudan have been killed, injured, and displaced at staggering levels.” She emphasized the urgency of addressing the suffering of children in the region, saying, “We cannot look away from the suffering of children in Sudan.” The ongoing conflict has also resulted in an estimated 4.2 million children expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2026.

In Pakistan, the Digital Rights Foundation has reported a 28% increase in cases involving minors in 2025. The Helpline received a total of 3,012 new complaints, including 2,586 instances of cyber harassment. This rise in cases highlights the growing challenges faced by children in the digital landscape.

Meanwhile, in Eswatini, there is a notable shift in gender roles, with more fathers becoming involved in their children’s immunization schedules. This change is seen as a positive development, as the presence of a father in the clinic has a beneficial effect on household health and adherence to immunization schedules. Nina Nkanyezi remarked, “The very presence of a father in the clinic has a ‘boom’ effect on the household’s health.”

Vusi Simelane noted the importance of community discussions around child health, stating, “We are talking in pubs, churches, at soccer matches, in mechanic yards.” This indicates a growing awareness and engagement in child health issues among the community.

As the situation evolves, observers are concerned about the long-term implications for children in these regions. The international community is urged to take action to protect vulnerable children and address the underlying causes of these crises.

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On March 12, 2026, the Iraq Iran War has intensified, resulting in the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. Iran has issued a stark warning, threatening to prevent ‘one liter’ of oil from passing through the critical Strait of Hormuz as hostilities escalate.

Immediate Impact on Oil Supply

Current shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted to less than 10% of pre-war levels, with oil prices hovering around $100 per barrel amid fears of further supply disruptions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised its 2026 oil supply estimate down to 1.1 million barrels per day, a significant drop from the previous estimate of 2.4 million barrels.

Humanitarian Consequences

The conflict has resulted in approximately 2,000 fatalities and over 1,100 children injured, according to UNICEF. Recent attacks by Iranian explosive-laden boats on two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the death of one crew member.

Global Responses and Reactions

In response to the crisis, the United States has authorized the release of 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to mitigate the impact of the escalating conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “We got to finish the job,” emphasizing the need for decisive action.

As the situation unfolds, analysts predict that oil prices could reach $200 a barrel, with Iran’s military spokesperson warning that regional security instability directly influences oil pricing. The IEA acknowledged the coordinated emergency stock release as a “significant and welcome buffer,” but cautioned that it remains a stop-gap measure without a swift resolution to the conflict.

This conflict has not only affected regional dynamics but has also prompted plans for a record release of strategic oil reserves globally. The ongoing war continues to have far-reaching implications for energy markets and international relations.

Looking Ahead

As the Iraq Iran War continues, the international community watches closely for further developments. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impacts on oil supply and regional stability.

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