The Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) recently convened a high-level National Seminar in Lahore to commemorate World Milk Day under the theme “Safe Milk, Safe Nation: Affordable Dairy for a Healthier Nation.” The event 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.
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 honors 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, Mr. 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.
Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities & Human Rights, Punjab, 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.”
Mian Mitha, Manager – Corporate Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, reinforced the importance of formalizing the dairy sector and making nutritious dairy accessible for all. “Affordable dairy is the right of every citizen. Today, we have two sectors—the formal, packaged milk sector and the informal, loose milk sector. When it comes to consumer health, the formal industry plays a pivotal role in delivering safe, nutritious, and hygienic dairy products. The private sector remains a key driver of innovation and consistency in milk supply across Pakistan.”
Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Director Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited, delivered a powerful message during the session on “Safe Milk – Safe Nation”, calling attention to the urgent need for policy reforms to secure the future of the formal dairy sector. “Dairy acts as a social safety net, yet Pakistan’s productivity remains among the lowest in the world. The imposition of 18% GST on packaged milk last year has had severe consequences, leading to the closure of over 500 formal milk processing units and redirecting an estimated Rs. 1.3 trillion in revenue went back to the informal sector. This not only undermines nutrition and safety but threatens the long-term viability of the formal dairy industry. We urgently need reforms to the current taxation regime and call for the reversal of GST from 18% to 5% to promote formalization, nutrition, and sectoral growth.”
Usman Zaheer, Chairman – Pakistan Dairy Association and CEO – Fauji Foods Ltd, 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. “I want to thank Minister Ramesh Singh Arora for always standing with the dairy sector and supporting us at every critical juncture. Recently, I was in a meeting with the World Food Programme (WFP), where their research highlighted a deeply concerning issue: stunting affects the neurological development of children, diminishing their cognitive potential for life. This is not just a health concern; it is a national productivity crisis. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed a significant decline in both productivity and physical activity in our population.”
“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—0.72 cm in 7-year-olds and 0.46 cm 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?”
A technical session titled “Safe Milk and Safe Nation” explored the affordability and accessibility of safe dairy for all citizens. Panelists discussed practical pathways to make safe milk a basic right rather than a privilege, and emphasized the need for coordinated action among government, industry, and civil society to build consumer trust in processed and regulated milk.
By uniting public and private sector voices on a shared platform, the seminar reaffirmed PDA’s commitment to accelerating the transition toward a safer, healthier, and more resilient dairy ecosystem in Pakistan
