Rana Waheed Bureau Chief Dawn TV + Daily Dawn
Lahore: On the occasion of World Milk Day 2025, the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) organized a national seminar in collaboration with the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The event aimed to highlight the important role of the milk and dairy sector in public health, food security and economic development.
The special guest of the seminar was Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, while experts and stakeholders from various government agencies, industry, academia and civil society also attended the event.
In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized the key role of dairy products in addressing malnutrition in Pakistan. He said that milk is a complete food and is key to improving nutrition, especially among children and women. Ensuring its safety and accessibility is a shared responsibility of all of us. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, is committed to implementing food safety laws, reducing health disparities, and strengthening the formal dairy industry.
He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Dairy Association and said that promoting dialogue on public health and bringing together all relevant stakeholders is a commendable initiative.
During the seminar, participants stressed the immediate and effective implementation of the “Minimum Pasteurization Law” passed by the Punjab Assembly. They demanded strict measures from the provincial government to protect the public from unsafe and unregistered milk.
Participants stressed the importance of implementing uniform food safety protocols across the country to ensure safe and nutritious milk for every citizen, while experts highlighted the need for increased training, funding and resources for food safety inspectors to ensure effective implementation of the laws.
An informative panel discussion was also held during the seminar, hosted by Ms. Maria Qureshi, a food and agriculture expert. The panel included
Muhammad Asim Javed, Director General, Punjab Food Authority,
Dr. Ayesha Malik, Nutritionist and Public Health Advisor, Faizan Qureshi, Dairy Supply Chain Specialist, Dr. Farooq Ahmed, Professor, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ms. Sana Hussain, Representative, GAIN Pakistan, etc.
The national seminar emerged as a collective initiative to provide safe, affordable and quality milk to every Pakistani. The Pakistan Dairy Association reiterated its commitment to continue its efforts to create a healthy, vibrant and regulated dairy sector, in collaboration with all stakeholders.
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