4 days ago
‘Access to safe milk should be considered right not a privilege'
LAHORE: Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities & Human Rights, Punjab, has emphasized that access to safe milk should be considered a right, not a privilege. 'Every citizen deserves access to clean, safe, and nutritious milk. Unfortunately, loose milk often contains harmful adulterants like urea, posing serious health risks. Packaged milk, on the other hand, maintains strict quality standards and offers a reliable alternative. The government of Punjab is acutely aware of the province's malnutrition challenges and is committed to ensuring safe milk reaches every household. We also recognize the negative impact of the current taxation on packaged milk and are working to address this as part of our broader health and nutrition agenda.'
Romina Khurshid Alam, Minister of State & Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, emphasized the essential role of milk in ensuring nutritional well-being. 'When we talk about health and nutrition, milk stands out as the one element that completes the nutrition cycle. In the fight against malnutrition, a single glass of milk can make a significant difference - it's one of the healthiest, most complete foods we can provide.'
They were speaking at recently convened a national seminar in Lahore to commemorate World Milk Day under the theme 'Safe Milk, Safe Nation: Affordable Dairy for a Healthier Nation.' The Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) hosted the event which brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and dairy experts to advocate for a national shift toward safer, regulated milk and to explore the strategic role of the formal dairy sector in enhancing public health, food security, and sustainable economic development.
'According to WFP, stunting is costing Pakistan an estimated $6 billion annually. We must learn from global success stories. For example, China launched a school milk program in 2000 and saw measurable improvements in child growth 0.72cm in 7-year-olds and 0.46cm in 9-year-olds. They have successfully tackled malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies through such initiatives. As Chairman of the PDA, I believe it's time we ask ourselves: what do we need to do differently to achieve the same for our children?' said Usman Zaheer, Chairman – Pakistan Dairy Association and CEO Fauji Foods Ltd. He also expressed his gratitude to key government stakeholders for their ongoing support and emphasized the urgent need to address the country's nutrition crisis through strategic interventions like school milk programs.
Dr Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Dairy Association, opened the seminar by highlighting the central role of dairy in public health and national development. He said, 'World Milk Day is not just a celebration — it is a global moment to acknowledge nature's most complete superfood and its profound impact on nutrition, food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this day honours the tireless efforts of millions of dairy farmers while spotlighting the sustainable development opportunities the dairy sector offers. At PDA, our mission is firmly rooted in ensuring that safe, nutritious, and affordable dairy is accessible to every citizen. We believe and advocate that safe milk is not a choice, but a fundamental right of every Pakistani.'
Adding to this perspective, Noor Aftab, Director Corporate Affairs – Pakistan & MENA at Tetra Pak, highlighted the importance of innovation in dairy processing and packaging. 'Milk is more than daily nutrition — it's a cornerstone of public health, food resilience, and economic progress. Through advanced technologies and collaborative efforts, we are committed to making safe, affordable dairy accessible to every household in Pakistan,' he noted.
The seminar featured in-depth discussions on regulatory reforms, standardization, certification, and enforcement mechanisms necessary to ensure the safety of milk. Key officials, Jahan Ara Wattoo, Vice Chairperson, Punjab Social Protection Authority, Dr Talat Naseer Pasha – DG PAFDA, Amina Rafique, ADG Technical, Punjab Food Authority, and Saqib Ali Ateel, Secretary for Livestock & Dairy Development, shared institutional strategies for quality assurance and public awareness. The role of the private sector in driving innovation and ensuring a consistent supply of safe milk was also a central theme.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
