Lahore, 30th October, 2025: Empowering the Next Generation through Safe Food and Dairy Nutrition. The Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) hosted the National Seminar on World Food Day 2025 at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore. The event, held under the theme “Hand in Hand: Safe Food for Better Future,” brought together government ministers, food authorities, policymakers, academia, development partners, media and industry leaders to strengthen national dialogue on food safety, school nutrition, and dairy-based nourishment—vital pillars for a healthier and stronger Pakistan.

The event was graced by Ms. Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Usman Zaheer Ahmad, CEO, Fauji Foods & Chairman PDA; Dr. Shehzad Amin, CEO, Pakistan Dairy Association; Mr. Muhammad Asim Javaid, Director General, Punjab Food Authority.

World Food Day, observed globally under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasizes that access to safe and nutritious food is a basic human right. Food security ensures availability of food, but food safety ensures that what reaches the plate is clean, wholesome, and life-sustaining. The National Seminar, organized by PDA, focused on the importance of ensuring safe and nutritious milk for school-going children and strengthening food safety systems across Pakistan.

Mr. Noor Aftab, Director Corporate Affairs for Pakistan and MENA (Middle East & North Africa) at Tetra Pak, highlighted the company’s long-standing global legacy in school feeding initiatives — a journey that began in 1962 in Mexico and has since benefited over 66 million children across 49 countries. He expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, and Minister for School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, for their visionary leadership in launching the CM Punjab’s School Nutrition Program.

Dr. Shehzad Amin, CEO, Pakistan Dairy Association, praised the Punjab Government’s School Nutrition Program, which provides milk to over 1.2 million children daily, but raised an  mportant question: “Why only Punjab? Is Punjab the whole of Pakistan? Every child—whether from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Balochistan—deserves the same nourishment and care.

Mr. Usman Zaheer Ahmad, CEO Fauji Foods & Chairman PDA, lauded the Punjab Government for this visionary initiative, urging that it be adopted nationwide. “This program is a remarkable example of how government and industry collaboration can change lives. The School Nutrition Program should not stop at Punjab—it should be a national mission for every child in Pakistan.”

Representatives from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan also appreciated the Punjab Government’s efforts and expressed full support for extending such initiatives across Pakistan. The event concluded with the collective signing and reading of the World Food Day 2025 Pledge, led by Ms. Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab, reaffirming commitment to food safety, nutrition, and unity under the slogan “Safe Milk, Safe Nation.”

Lahore, May 30, 2025 — The Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) recently convened a high-level National Seminar in Lahore to commemorate World Milk Day under the theme “Safe Milk, Safe Nation: Affordable Dairy for a Healthier Nation.” The event brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and dairy experts to advocate for a national shift toward safer, regulated milk and to explore the strategic role of the formal dairy sector in enhancing public health, food security, and sustainable economic development.

Dr. Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Dairy Association, opened the seminar by highlighting the central role of dairy in public health and national development. He said, “World Milk Day is not just a celebration—it is a global moment to acknowledge nature’s most complete superfood and its profound impact on nutrition, food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this day honors the tireless efforts of millions of dairy farmers while spotlighting the sustainable development opportunities the dairy sector offers. At PDA, our mission is firmly rooted in ensuring that safe, nutritious, and affordable dairy is accessible to every citizen. We believe—and advocate—that safe milk is not a choice, but a fundamental right of every Pakistani.”

Adding to this perspective, Mr. Noor Aftab, Director Corporate Affairs – Pakistan & MENA at Tetra Pak, highlighted the importance of innovation in dairy processing and packaging. “Milk is more than daily nutrition—it’s a cornerstone of public health, food resilience, and economic progress. Through advanced technologies and collaborative efforts, we are committed to making safe, affordable dairy accessible to every household in Pakistan,” he noted.

The seminar featured in-depth discussions on regulatory reforms, standardization, certification, and enforcement mechanisms necessary to ensure the safety of milk. Key officials, Jahan Ara Wattoo, Vice Chairperson, Punjab Social Protection Authority, Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha – DG PAFDA, Amina Rafique, ADG Technical, Punjab Food Authority, and Saqib Ali Ateel, Secretary for Livestock & Dairy Development, shared institutional strategies for quality assurance and public awareness. The role of the private sector in driving innovation and ensuring a consistent supply of safe milk was also a central theme.

Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities & Human Rights, Punjab, emphasized that access to safe milk should be considered a right, not a privilege. “Every citizen deserves access to clean, safe, and nutritious milk. Unfortunately, loose milk often contains harmful adulterants like urea, posing serious health risks. Packaged milk, on the other hand, maintains strict quality standards and offers a reliable alternative. The Government of Punjab is acutely aware of the province’s malnutrition challenges and is committed to ensuring safe milk reaches every household. We also recognize the negative impact of the current taxation on packaged milk and are working to address this as part of our broader health and nutrition agenda.”

Romina Khurshid Alam, Minister of State & Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, emphasized the essential role of milk in ensuring nutritional well-being. “When we talk about health and nutrition, milk stands out as the one element that completes the nutrition cycle. In the fight against malnutrition, a single glass of milk can make a significant difference—it’s one of the healthiest, most complete foods we can provide.”

Mian Mitha, Manager – Corporate Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, reinforced the importance of formalizing the dairy sector and making nutritious dairy accessible for all. “Affordable dairy is the right of every citizen. Today, we have two sectors—the formal, packaged milk sector and the informal, loose milk sector. When it comes to consumer health, the formal industry plays a pivotal role in delivering safe, nutritious, and hygienic dairy products. The private sector remains a key driver of innovation and consistency in milk supply across Pakistan.”

Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Director Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited, delivered a powerful message during the session on “Safe Milk – Safe Nation”, calling attention to the urgent need for policy reforms to secure the future of the formal dairy sector. “Dairy acts as a social safety net, yet Pakistan’s productivity remains among the lowest in the world. The imposition of 18% GST on packaged milk last year has had severe consequences, leading to the closure of over 500 formal milk processing units and redirecting an estimated Rs. 1.3 trillion in revenue went back to the informal sector. This not only undermines nutrition and safety but threatens the long-term viability of the formal dairy industry. We urgently need reforms to the current taxation regime and call for the reversal of GST from 18% to 5% to promote formalization, nutrition, and sectoral growth.”

Usman Zaheer, Chairman – Pakistan Dairy Association and CEO – Fauji Foods Ltd, expressed his gratitude to key government stakeholders for their ongoing support and emphasized the urgent need to address the country’s nutrition crisis through strategic interventions like school milk programs. “I want to thank Minister Ramesh Singh Arora for always standing with the dairy sector and supporting us at every critical juncture. Recently, I was in a meeting with the World Food Programme (WFP), where their research highlighted a deeply concerning issue: stunting affects the neurological development of children, diminishing their cognitive potential for life. This is not just a health concern; it is a national productivity crisis. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed a significant decline in both productivity and physical activity in our population.”

“According to WFP, stunting is costing Pakistan an estimated $6 billion annually. We must learn from global success stories. For example, China launched a school milk program in 2000 and saw measurable improvements in child growth—0.72 cm in 7-year-olds and 0.46 cm in 9-year-olds. They have successfully tackled malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies through such initiatives. As Chairman of the PDA, I believe it’s time we ask ourselves: what do we need to do differently to achieve the same for our children?”

A technical session titled “Safe Milk and Safe Nation” explored the affordability and accessibility of safe dairy for all citizens. Panelists discussed practical pathways to make safe milk a basic right rather than a privilege, and emphasized the need for coordinated action among government, industry, and civil society to build consumer trust in processed and regulated milk.

By uniting public and private sector voices on a shared platform, the seminar reaffirmed PDA’s commitment to accelerating the transition toward a safer, healthier, and more resilient dairy ecosystem in Pakistan.

Lahore, 20th March, 2025: Tetra Pak Pakistan has extended its official nutrition partnership with Islamabad United for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. This marks the seventh consecutive year of this successful collaboration. The agreement signing ceremony was held at Tetra Pak’s head office in Lahore, where Mr. Awais Bin Nasim, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Pakistan, and Mr. Ahsan Latif, CEO of Islamabad United, formalized the partnership.

Through this continued alliance, Tetra Pak aims to promote the importance of safe and healthy packaged milk in maintaining an active lifestyle. Islamabad United players will benefit from the high-quality nutrition provided by packaged milk, aiding in muscle recovery and overall fitness during the intense PSL season 10.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Awais Bin Nasim, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Pakistan, said, “Our long-standing partnership with Islamabad United reflects our commitment to promoting the benefits of safe and healthy packaged milk for athletes and the community at large. With our advanced 6-layer packaging technology, we ensure that milk remains pure and rich in essential nutrients without the need for preservatives. This partnership allows us to further emphasize the role of safe nutrition in achieving peak performance.”

Mr. Ahsan Latif, CEO of Islamabad United, added, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Tetra Pak for the seventh consecutive year. Their focus on nutrition and wellness perfectly aligns with our goal of supporting players’ health and inspiring young athletes across Pakistan to make healthier choices. Safe and healthy packaged milk is not only essential for sports performance but also plays a vital role in the well-being of our community.”

As the PSL Season 10 approaches, Tetra Pak remains committed to raising awareness about the benefits of safe and healthy packaged milk consumption, ensuring that the excitement on the field is complemented by a strong focus on health and nutrition.

Islamabad, 19th December 2024: Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has launched its inaugural Sustainability Report for Pakistan, serving as a local supplement to its FY23 global Sustainability Report. The report underscored the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the country. The launch event, held in Islamabad, brought together key government officials, diplomats, and policymakers. Mr. Hammad Shameemi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Pakistan faces significant challenges, including unclear environmental policies, resource scarcity, and inadequate waste management, recycling, and transportation infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Tetra Pak remains dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting decarbonization efforts at its production plant, while continuing to intensify its recycling initiatives and promote environmental awareness. The company also introduced processing solutions that significantly enhance environmental sustainability and operational efficiency of its customers. These initiatives collectively reflect Tetra Pak’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and solutions, shaping a greener future for all.

Through a longstanding partnership with Green Earth Recycling, the company aims to recycle 35,000 tons of used beverage cartons by 2025. In addition, its partnership with WWF focuses on educating young students about recycling, fostering environmental awareness from an early age. The company has invested in International Renewable Energy Certificates (iRECs), which has enabled it to achieve an impressive 80% reduction of carbon emissions at its Lahore plant. Tetra Pak’s OneStep UHT processing technology has also enabled dairy manufacturers in Pakistan to significantly reduce their water consumption and carbon emissions by 30% and 25% respectively, while improving their environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

Speaking at the event, Awais Bin Nasim, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Pakistan, said, “This report reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, despite the challenges unique to Pakistan. It showcases how our local initiatives, collaborative efforts, and innovative solutions are creating meaningful change for communities and the environment. We are proud to take this step towards greater transparency and accountability.”

“This report highlights the critical role of the private sector in addressing Pakistan’s environmental challenges,” said Hammad Shameemi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination. He further said, “As the country stands at the forefront of the global climate crisis, we expect organizations like Tetra Pak to lead the way with innovative solutions such as advancing recycling systems, optimizing resource efficiency, and engaging communities through environmental education. Their efforts set a benchmark for sustainability and demonstrate how the private sector can support the government in building a more resilient and sustainable Pakistan.”

Tetra Pak’s inaugural Sustainability Report for Pakistan symbolizes its enduring commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities where it operates. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, governments, and organizations, the company continues to strive for a sustainable future while contributing meaningfully to Pakistan’s sustainable development.