Health minister asked to enforce 20-year-old protection of breast-feeding ordinance to safeguard infant health
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services has called on Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to enforce the Protection of Breast-Feeding and Child Nutrition Ordinance, 2002, warning that weak implementation undermines child health.
In a letter to Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and available with Dawn, the committee chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti expressed concern over the law’s lack of enforcement despite being in place for over 20 years. The committee, which met on Nov 3 reviewed the regulation of infant formula marketing as substitute for breast milk.
The letter highlighted the need for the National Infant Feeding Board to be operational asking for details on its formation, meetings and activities. The committee also demanded information on measures taken to stop prohibited advertising, free samples and misleading claim.
It questioned whether the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court orders regarding Urdu labelling and warnings on formula milk had been complied with and asked the ministry to report on progress on enforcing court orders.
While acknowledging that infant formula may be necessary in some cases the committee stressed it must only be used under legal and medical guidelines.
The committee has also demanded data on inspections, prosecutions, penalties and the role of enforcement authorities over the three years. It also asked for information on product registration, quality testing and Drap’s role in monitoring.
The ministry was asked to explain coordination with Drap and Pemra to stop banned ads on TV, digital platforms and other media. Senator Chishti urged action — reviving the National Infant Feeding Board appointing enforcement officials and pursuing legal action against violators.
The committee has asked for a response within 15 days including court orders, regulatory directions and a full implementation plan. It also wants a focal officer assigned for coordination and regular reporting.
The chairman emphasised that protecting infants was a duty and that existing laws must be enforced effectively. While talking to Dawn Senator Chishti said that he was very keen to save the babies which is the future of Pakistan.
Originally published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026
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