August 27, 2025: IBA’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), UNICEF, and Dow University of Health
Sciences (DUHS) jointly organized a seminar to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2025. The event brought
together academia, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives to emphasize the urgent
need to strengthen breastfeeding practices in Pakistan.
The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Lubna Naz, Director, IBA-CBER. Followed by an inaugural address
from Ms. Nida Khuhro, Member of Parliament, Government of Sindh. Ms. Khuhro underscored the importance of
breastfeeding for maternal and child health while highlighting the Government of Sindh’s initiatives to implement and
promote breastfeeding laws. She also engaged directly with participants, addressing various questions during the
interactive session.
Speakers throughout the event reiterated that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child survival, maternal well-being,
and economic sustainability. Public Health Nutritionist and Assistant Professor, DUHS, Dr. Sumaira Nasim, emphasized
the health and financial benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
A comprehensive panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Naz, concluded the seminar. The panelists included Dr. Khalid
Shafi, Associate Professor, DUHS; Ms. Zehra Khan, Women’s Rights Activist; Dr. Ayesha Khalid, Research Manager, Public
Health, Aga Khan University, and Mr. Naveed Bhutto, Technical Advisor on Nutrition, Government of Sindh. The
discussion emphasized the importance of behavioral change and awareness not only among mothers but also within
families — especially husbands, in-laws, and healthcare professionals. Panelists also examined the breastfeeding law
in detail and collectively discouraged the use of formula supplements, reaffirming that breast milk is the safest and
most beneficial source of infant nutrition.
Despite these advances, challenges remain, including the fact that only 45% of infants in Pakistan are exclusively
breastfed, while just 500 registered nutritionists serve a population of over 251 million. These gaps underscore the
pressing need for broader advocacy and stronger support systems.
The seminar concluded with a resounding call for multi-sectoral collaboration — uniting government, academia,
healthcare, and civil society — to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding for a healthier future of mothers and
children in Pakistan.
