KARACHI: Highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children, speakers at a seminar held at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) on Wednesday regretted that only 45 per cent of infants in Pakistan were exclusively breastfed.

The seminar, jointly organised by Unicef, IBA and Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), was held in connection with World Breastfeeding Week 2025.

It brought together academia, policymakers, healthcare professionals and civil society representatives to emphasise the urgent need to strengthen breastfeeding practices in Pakistan.

The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Dr Lubna Naz, Director at the Centre of Business and Economic Research, IBA, followed by a speech by parliamentary secretary of health Nida Khuro.

Ms Khuro underscored the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and child health while highlighting the provincial government’s initiatives to implement and promote breastfeeding laws. She also engaged directly with participants, addressing various questions raised during the interactive session.

Speakers reiterated that breastfeeding was a cornerstone of child survival, maternal well-being and economic sustainability.

Public health nutritionist Sumaira Nasim from DUHS emphasised the health and financial benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Civil society representative Zarah Khan drew attention to the struggles of working women, many of whom lacked awareness of their maternity rights and faced insufficient workplace facilities for breastfeeding.

A comprehensive panel discussion, moderated by Dr Lubna Naz, was conducted at the seminar.

Panellists included Dr Khalid Shafi, rights activist Zehra Khan, Dr Ayesha Khalid from the Aga Khan University, and provincial technical adviser on nutrition, Naveed Bhutto.

The discussion emphasised the importance of behavioural change and awareness not only among mothers but also within families — especially husbands, in-laws and healthcare professionals.

Panellists also examined the breastfeeding law in detail and collectively discouraged the use of formula supplements, reaffirming that breast milk was the safest and most beneficial source of infant nutrition.

Despite these advances, however, they pointed out that challenges remained, with only 45pc of infants in Pakistan exclusively breastfed, while just 500 registered nutritionists served a population of over 251 million.

These gaps, they said, underscored the pressing need for broader advocacy and stronger support systems.

The seminar concluded with a resounding call for multi-sectoral collaboration — uniting government, academia, healthcare and civil society — to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for a healthier future for mothers and children in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2025