On 3 February 2026 partners gathered in Islamabad for a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening laws to protect child nutrition and early development. The session 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 discussions on priorities for young children during the early years. Participants reviewed legislative and regulatory gaps affecting Early Childhood Development, paying particular attention to Infant and Young Child Feeding indicators and measures to safeguard breastfeeding, central elements of effective child nutrition policy.
Speakers highlighted the need for stronger legal frameworks, clearer regulatory enforcement and improved monitoring of IYCF indicators to translate policy into better nutrition outcomes. The dialogue emphasized coordinated action across ministries and parliamentary oversight to ensure laws protect caregivers and promote breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child nutrition.
The session closed with remarks from Dr Ramesh Kumar and Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Members of the National Assembly, who reaffirmed parliamentary commitment to advancing coordinated action and strengthening oversight so every child in Pakistan can grow up healthy, well nourished and protected. Participants agreed to continue work on legislative reforms and practical measures to improve child nutrition and early development.
