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Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
‘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
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Plantation drive kicks off
Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, inaugurated Nestlé Pakistan's first 100,000 trees urban forest plantation drive in Islamabad. Organised in partnership with Capital Development Authority (CDA), the initiative supports endeavours to reduce carbon footprint in its ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The forest will include 100,000 indigenous trees comprising Kachnar, Sukhchain, Sapium, Amaltas, Jacaranda, among others. Alam said: "Planting an urban forest is a great example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a common goal." Nestlé Pakistan's Chief Executive Officer, Jason Avanceña said: "Climate change is a reality and we all need to play a proactive role in mitigating this challenge. We have been continuously investing in sustainability initiatives such as planting urban forests for the wellbeing of our communities. It is our duty to reverse the trend of deforestation and work towards a greener future."
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM calls for urgent climate action
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasised that the two-day global climate conference, Breathe Pakistan, should act as a "resounding call" for a cleaner and greener future for Pakistan's next generations. In his televised address on the second day of the conference, the Prime Minister stated: "Developing countries like Pakistan need more predictable, flexible, and grant-based financial support to build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development. Without such support, the path to climate adaptation and green transformation will remain elusive. Let us make Breathe Pakistan our call to action for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Pakistan." He further highlighted Pakistan's "cruel paradox," where, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, the country faces severe climate impacts, including floods, glacial melt, heatwaves, and droughts. The second day of Breathe Pakistan featured experts, policymakers, and industry leaders addressing the country's escalating climate crisis. With Pakistan grappling with extreme weather, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, speakers urged for immediate action to build climate resilience. Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change, set a defining tone for the event, stating, "Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate change, paying the price for a crisis created by others." She stressed that Pakistan must not remain passive but become an active force in shaping climate solutions. A key discussion point was Pakistan's updated Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, with Parliamentary Secretary Wajeeha Qamar presenting new incentives to promote clean transportation and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a Rs100 billion allocation for climate resilience projects and Rs10 billion for smog mitigation in Punjab. She also introduced Pakistan's initiative to collaborate with neighbouring countries like India to combat transboundary air pollution, noting, "Climate change knows no borders, and cooperation is essential." Another major focus was the Living Indus project, which environmental expert Aban Marker Kabraji described as Pakistan's strategy for adapting to an unpredictable future. She called for long-term water conservation efforts to safeguard the Indus Basin. UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil urged for the integration of climate education into school curriculums and proposed the formation of a national volunteer corps to mobilise youth for environmental action. "The challenge now is to turn conference discussions into real-world mobilization of millions of young people," he stressed. As the conference continues, attention remains on turning pledges into concrete actions, focusing on green financing, regional cooperation, and tech-driven climate strategies. WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt seeks Germany's support for climate goals
Listen to article ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, has sought Germany's technical support in developing Pakistan's climate action plans and accelerating the transition to clean energy. During a meeting with a three-member delegation from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), led by Christiane Amari, Alam underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation on climate change and sustainable development. Discussions focused on ongoing and future initiatives related to environmental protection, climate adaptation, and mitigation, particularly in combating Pakistan's climate challenges, including floods and droughts. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the National Climate Change Policy and the Pakistan Climate Change Act while meeting climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Amari assured Germany's support for Pakistan's climate objectives, emphasising collaboration in knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and financial resources. "Integrating climate change adaptation into national development policies is paramount," she said. "We must ensure the transition to a green economy is inclusive and resilient." Alam also stressed the need for increased financing and capacity-building for vulnerable communities. Potential partnerships were discussed in areas such as water management, clean energy, carbon reduction, glacier protection, and global climate risk financing. Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Climate Change, Ahmed Atteeq Anwar, joined the meeting, advocating for climate education in schools and youth engagement through tree planting and community cleanups. "Media and social platforms play a crucial role in spreading awareness and inspiring youth to take climate action," he noted. Aisha Humera Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, highlighted Pakistan's investment potential in green skills and the role of German companies in advancing climate adaptation, food security, and nature-based solutions. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing Pakistan's climate resilience and sustainability through continued collaboration.
Express Tribune
04-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt engages US firm for carbon trading
Listen to article ISLAMABAD: A five-member delegation from Minus 2 Degrees (M2D), a US-based company specialising in carbon neutrality solutions, met with Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, at her office on Tuesday, according to a press statement. The meeting focused on carbon reduction strategies to address climate challenges and promote environmental sustainability. Alam emphasised that Pakistan's carbon trading policy guidelines mark a significant milestone in establishing a national carbon market. These guidelines, she stated, are crucial for attracting green investments and helping Pakistan meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. "This initiative encourages businesses to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy," Alam said. "By operationalising these guidelines, we align with international standards and position Pakistan as a leader in carbon trading." M2D presented a range of services focused on carbon neutrality, using advanced tools for emissions management and compliance with environmental standards. During the meeting, Alam called for collaboration with local and international stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of carbon trading guidelines. She underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in carbon credit generation. "This is a watershed moment for Pakistan's climate action journey," she remarked, urging developed nations to support emerging economies in leveraging carbon markets. The delegation presented a portfolio of proposed projects to foster collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and other stakeholders. These initiatives align with Pakistan's climate priorities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, transitioning to 60% renewable energy, and expanding nature-based solutions. Secretary of the Climate Ministry, Aisha Humera Moriani, encouraged the delegation to collaborate with the Board of Investment at the federal level and the Punjab government to promote net-zero carbon initiatives within the industrial sector. She also highlighted the importance of involving the business community in sustainability efforts. Moriani highlighted Bangladesh's economic zone dedicated to similar climate objectives as a model for Pakistan. She stressed the need for comprehensive strategies integrating environmental responsibility into economic development.
