07/06/2026
Pakistan loses $17B annually to malnutrition.
*PNDS calls for urgent reforms:fund nutrition, empower professionals, and make accountability real*
Karachi, June 5, 2026
The Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS), in collaboration with the Karachi Press Club (KPC), convened a high‑level dialogue titled “Budget 2026–2027 Pre‑Budget National Nutrition Advocacy Dialogue: Nutrition Crisis — Challenges and Pathways to Reform.” The event highlighted Pakistan’s escalating nutrition crisis and presented reform recommendations ahead of the federal budget.
Pakistan’s Silent Nutrition Crisis
40% of children under five are stunted
18% wasted,more than half of women and children are anemic.,Obesity among women has doubled, Unsafe water, poverty, and climate shocks worsen food insecurity
Despite strong evidence, nutrition remains neglected in the federal budget, with financing gaps up to 75% at provincial levels. This neglect costs Pakistan nearly USD 17 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and human capital losses.
Leadership & Expert Voices:
Fayza Khan (President PNDS): “Nutrition must be recognized as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s health system. We must integrate nutritionists into healthcare, empower them in policymaking, and establish a Nutrition & Dietetic Council to regulate and standardize practice.”
Dr. Asim Bashir Khan (Health Economist): Called for innovative financing models, performance‑based budgeting, stronger monitoring, and accountability.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Basit (Indus Diabetes & Endocrinology): Warned obesity is driving diabetes; urged prevention strategies across pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood, fiscal policies on sugary drinks, and investment in healthy food access and physical activity.
Prof. Dr. Nilofer Fatmi Safdar (Ziauddin University): “Pakistan has trained nutrition professionals, but no jobs for them.” Highlighted absence of nutritionists in hospitals and health systems.
Rabia Anwar (Vice President PNDS): Advocated for workforce reforms, healthier food policies, and integration of nutritionists across healthcare programs.
Dr. Ashar Malik (Asst. Professor, Dept. of CHS, AKUH): Stressed linking investments to measurable outcomes and public access to nutrition survey microdata for decentralized planning.
Dr. Zeeshan Sheikh (PPHI Sindh): Urged reducing donor dependency and addressing root causes like WASH and women’s empowerment.
Dr. Naqvi (Shine Humanities): Emphasized holistic health and nutrition interventions.
About PNDS
Founded in 2003, the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS) is the largest professional organization for nutrition and dietetics in Pakistan. PNDS is committed to evidence‑based nutrition policy, workforce development, and public health advocacy. It is the only organization in Pakistan recognized by the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA).
Contact: [email protected] | www.pnds.org
