On 3 February 2026 partners gathered in Islamabad for a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening laws to protect children’s nutrition and early development. The discussion was chaired by Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik Bharat, Minister of State for Health; Ms Sharmeela Rassool, Deputy Country Representative, UNICEF; and Dr Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy.
Parliamentarians, health experts and development partners focused on what matters most for young children in their earliest years, reviewing legislative and regulatory gaps that affect Early Childhood Development and core Infant and Young Child Feeding indicators. The conversation highlighted the central role of legal protections in supporting breastfeeding and ensuring consistent Child Nutrition standards across provinces.
Participants explored how existing statutes and regulations can be updated to improve Child Nutrition outcomes, strengthen breastfeeding protection in health and workplace settings, and enhance coordination between government agencies and civil society. Emphasis was placed on practical oversight mechanisms and clear regulatory language to close current gaps.
The session concluded with closing remarks by Dr Ramesh Kumar and Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Members of the National Assembly, who reaffirmed parliamentary commitment to advancing coordinated action and stronger oversight so that every child in Pakistan can grow up healthy, well nourished and protected.
Attendees agreed to translate the dialogue into concrete proposals and follow-up actions to monitor progress on Child Nutrition and early development indicators at national and provincial levels.
