On November 13, 2025, the Sustainable Social Development Organization and the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies at the University of the Punjab convened a high-level policy dialogue on food security and the SDGs, focusing on strengthening nutrition governance and food fortification in Pakistan.
Speakers underlined the need to embed food fortification into national policy frameworks as a practical response to persistent micronutrient deficiencies and the broader SDG agenda. Participants stressed that advancing nutrition governance will require the state to take a central role in ensuring access to nutritious food for all citizens.
Prof. Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf and Syed Kausar Abbas led discussions on policy direction, while elected representatives Ms. Uzma Kardar and Mr. Muhammad Aoun Hameed emphasized legislative measures and accountability to protect public health. They called for clear laws to mandate and support food fortification across relevant sectors.
Technical experts including Prof. Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Usman and Dr. Mehnaz Rashid identified scientific, policy and governance gaps that hinder effective implementation. They urged improved monitoring systems, data-driven oversight and a multi-stakeholder approach to scale up food fortification efforts nationwide.
Delegates highlighted that successful food fortification depends on coordination between government ministries, industry partners, academia and civil society. Enhanced regulatory frameworks, routine quality checks and public awareness were named as essential components to ensure fortified foods reach vulnerable populations.
The dialogue concluded with a consensus that robust legislation, effective oversight and cross-sector cooperation are necessary to make food fortification a national priority and to strengthen Pakistanโs overall food security and nutrition outcomes.
