Minister Ramesh Singh Arora attends along with others
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: In commemoration of World Milk Day 2025, the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA), in collaboration with the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), organized a National Seminar at a private hotel on Thursday.
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The event aimed to spotlight the critical role of milk and the dairy sector in promoting public health, ensuring nutritional security, and supporting economic development.
Mr. Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minorities, graced the seminar as the Chief Guest, alongside a distinguished panel of experts and stakeholders from government bodies, industry leaders, academia, and civil society.
In his keynote address, Mr. Arora emphasized the indispensable role of dairy in addressing Pakistan’s nutrition challenges.
He said that Milk is one of the most complete foods and holds the key to improving nutritional outcomes, especially among children and women. Ensuring its safety and accessibility must be our collective priority. The government is committed to working hand-in-hand with the private sector to implement food safety laws, reduce health disparities, and strengthen the formal dairy industry,” he stated.
He lauded the Pakistan Dairy Association for taking a leadership role in advancing dialogue around public health and praised its efforts to bring together all relevant stakeholders to push for sustainable reforms. In the seminar the dialogue highlighted three pressing issues that emerged as central themes:
Implementation of Minimum Pasteurization Law, Stakeholders strongly advocated for the full implementation of the Minimum Pasteurization Law, already passed by the Punjab Assembly. They urged the provincial government to initiate strict enforcement measures to protect consumers from unsafe, unregulated milk.
The seminar reinforced the urgency of creating a level playing field for the formal dairy industry. Participants stressed the importance of standardized safety protocols across the country to ensure safe and nutritious dairy products are accessible to all.
The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by food and agriculture expert Ms. Maria Qureshi, featuring: Mr. Muhammad Asim Javaid, Director General, Punjab Food Authority, Dr. Ayesha Malik, Nutritionist and Public Health Consultant, Mr. Faizan Qureshi, Dairy Supply Chain Specialist, Dr. Farooq Ahmed, Professor of Food Sciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Ms. Sana Hussain, GAIN Pakistan Representative.
Panelists identified critical lapses in regulatory enforcement, calling for increased funding, training, and resources for food safety inspectors.
The National Seminar served as a clarion call for action to ensure safe, affordable, and accessible milk for all Pakistanis. The Pakistan Dairy Association reaffirmed its commitment to work with all stakeholders toward a healthier, more productive nation through a reformed and formalized dairy sector.
