Press Release Title: Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 3rd November, 2026

Senate Health Committee Calls for Enhanced Breastfeeding Protection, Stronger Measures Against Commercial Promotion of Formula Milk The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, to review the implementation status of its previous recommendations regarding the regulation and advertisement of formula milk for infants aged 1–36 months. The meeting was attended by Senators Anusha Rahman Ahmed Khan and Shahzaib Durrani, while Senators Samina Mumtaz Zehri and Rahat Jamali participated via video link. The Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, along with senior officials from the concerned departments, also attended the meeting. At the outset, the Chairman Committee was briefed about the previously issued directions to PEMRA regarding the mandatory disclaimer, “Mother's Milk is the Best for a Child,” in formula milk advertisements. He expressed concern that Nestle had obtained a stay order from the Islamabad High Court, affecting the implementation of the directions. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) informed the Committee that the disclaimer had been broadcast on 29 television channels, while efforts were underway to ensure its broadcast on the remaining channels. PEMRA further stated that three letters had been issued to the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) in this regard. The Chairman observed that in other countries, including Bangladesh, had adopted restrictions on formula milk advertisements. He emphasized that resources being spent on formula milk could instead be directed towards improving maternal nutrition, which would benefit both mothers and children. The Minister informed the Committee that instructions had been issued to prepare an advertisement highlighting the importance of breastfeeding. DRAP clarified that formula milk falls within its regulatory ambit under the category of alternative medicines.   Senator Samina Zehri stressed the need to examine the existing nutritional regulations and cautioned against misleading claims regarding formula milk and child growth. She emphasized that the Committee would not compromise on false claims and urged the relevant authorities to review the applicable nutritional rules. The Minister also acknowledged concerns regarding maternal malnutrition and the nutritional condition of mothers in the country. During the discussion, Senator Anusha Rehman highlighted the legal and procedural aspects of PEMRA's authority to implement the Committee's directions. She observed that the relevant directives should be issued through the Ministry concerned and subsequently communicated to PEMRA. She also referred to the existing legal provisions, including Section 7 of the relevant Ordinance, which restricts formula milk advertisements. Chairman committee referred to international practices, stating that advertisements of formula milk had been prohibited in 89 countries. Senator Shahzaib Durrani emphasized that such products should not be promoted as ordinary milk and that the importance of mother's milk should be clearly communicated to the public. The Chairman directed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to intervene and ensure that the matter was taken to its logical conclusion. He assured the Ministry of the Committee's full support, including assistance in legislation, if required, to ensure effective implementation of the law. He further emphasized that the existing legal framework must be enforced and that formula milk advertisements should not be allowed where prohibited by law. The representative of the Council of Islamic Ideology informed the Committee that a detailed response had been submitted, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for the healthy growth and development of children. The Council expressed its support for the promotion of breastfeeding.   The Chairman observed that the Ministry, DRAP and the Council of Islamic Ideology had the necessary institutional and legal support to address the matter effectively   The Chairman also mentioned that according to a detailed study conducted by the Lancet Series UK 2023, they have named it officially as Commercial Formula Milk(CFM).    The Chairman of the Committee directed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and PEMRA to ensure the full and effective implementation of the relevant Act of Parliament already in force, in letter and spirit. The Committee also took up the grievances of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Biochemistry degree holders regarding their exclusion from professional recognition and registration under the Allied Health Professional Council Act, 2022. The Committee was informed that around 20,000 individuals could be affected by the issue, while the implementation of the relevant requirements could also impact upcoming graduates. Concerns were raised over the suspension and possible loss of jobs of professionals who had obtained their degrees and had already been serving in the relevant fields before the enforcement of the new regulatory requirements. The Federal Minister expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by these professionals and stressed that their educational qualifications, work experience and professional circumstances must be considered while resolving the matter. The Chairman directed the formation of a special committee under the supervision of Senator Rubina Khalid to examine all aspects of the issue and recommend a practical and lasting solution. Senator Rubina Khalid called for the immediate submission of suspension letters and relevant departmental orders, emphasizing that affected employees should not face further employment difficulties while the matter remains under consideration. She also questioned the authority of institutions to change rules without the approval of Parliament. The Federal Minister proposed constituting an accreditation committee to assess the qualifications, professional experience and credit hours of affected individuals, including the possibility of a one-year work or experience certificate being considered for additional academic credit. The Committee also discussed the legal status of the relevant notification, the need to review existing rules and the provision of additional training or courses wherever required. The Chairman directed all relevant authorities to work with Senator Rubina Khalid and ensure a fair and workable resolution of the matter. The Committee reviewed concerns regarding changes in the infrastructure, specialised equipment and postgraduate training programme of the Burn Care Centre at PIMS. The briefing also addressed reports regarding the conversion of patient areas into offices and discontinuation of burn surgery training. The concerned official clarified that the Burn Care Centre had not been closed and that additional facilities were being introduced, including the provision of 20 beds for burn patients. The Committee was informed that the centre had two operation theatres, while approximately 21 postgraduate trainees were currently undergoing training. The official also highlighted the continuation of treatment and training activities at the centre. The Committee also reviewed the issue of additional faculty positions and deficiencies in Basic Medical and Dental Sciences at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), particularly in relation to the regulatory requirements for its 100 BDS seats. The Committee was informed that although the university had an approved capacity of 100 students, only 50 students were currently enrolled due to infrastructure and faculty-related constraints. Senator Shahzaib Durrani highlighted the shortage of professors in key subjects, including Anatomy and Oral Pathology, and questioned the delay in filling vacant positions. The Federal Minister acknowledged the shortage of faculty and assured the Committee that existing faculty would be upgraded and further recruitment would be undertaken within 60 days to address the deficiencies and enable the university to utilise its full approved capacity.   The Chairman emphasized the importance of addressing the faculty and infrastructure gaps on a priority basis, stressing that the university's approved capacity must not remain underutilised due to administrative shortcomings. He directed the Ministry to ensure timely recruitment and fulfilment of the required faculty positions to safeguard the academic standards and future of BDS students.