Pakistan launches a provincial level SUN Secretariat in the Punjab Province

On 18 January 2016, a provincial level SUN Movement Secretariat was launched in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. The event was organised by the Planning and Development Board with the support of the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) and Pakistan’s national SUN Movement Secretariat.

Mr. Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Senior Minister in Punjab province/Minister for Labor and Human Resource/Planning Development Board was the chief guest speaker who launched the new Secretariat. In the inaugural remarks, he said that the Government of Punjab is committed to improve the nutritional status of its population, especially children and women. He reiterated that SUN Movement, Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy along with Fortification Initiatives will play a vital role in improving the nutrition situation in the province.

“My parliamentary colleagues will work together and will play their role in raising voice, prioritizing budgetary allocation and advocacy for necessary legislative cover. I volunteer myself for the SUN Parliamentary Network.” – Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Senior Minister in Punjab province/Minister for Labor and Human Resource/Planning Development Board

Other speakers included;

• Khawaja Imran Nazir, Parliamentary Secretary for HealthHe shared that he will play a due role in Provincial Assembly for advocacy with parliamentarians on this national agenda without political boundaries and will ensure that necessary steps be taken to address this critical situation of malnutrition along with required legislation for proper implementation.
• Muhammad Aslam Shaheen, Chief Nutrition/SUN Government Focal Point, M/o Planning, Development & Reform/ Planning Commission of Pakistan and member of the SUN Movement Executive CommitteeHe shared that the Government of Pakistan has established National SUN Movement Secretariat in Ministry of Planning Development and Reform which is coordinating all SUN units, alliances and networks. Currently, Civil Society Alliance, Donors and UN networks have been established while a Business Network and Academia & Research Network are in process of establishment in consultation with development partners.
• Dr Tausif Akhtar Janjua, Country Director the Micronutrient Initiative (MI)He highlighted the role of MI to address malnutrition in the country. He briefed the participants about the positive impact of Universal salt Iodization, Vitamin A supplementation and upcoming project of Wheat flour fortification.
• Miss Saira Iftikhar, Member Provincial AssemblyShe informed participants about the commitment of Punjab Government and parliamentarians to improve the nutritional indicators in Punjab. She requested all partners to come forward and address the critical situation and to save the precious lives of our children and women.
• Shabana Haider, Member (Health) Planning and Development Board PunjabShe said that it is high time that SUN Provincial Secretariat be launched in Punjab to address the malnutrition status in Punjab and also to work together for healthy and food secure Punjab.
• Jahanzaib khan Chairman, Planning and Development DepartmentThe implications of these nutrient deficiencies for economic growth and development are huge and studies show that the macroeconomic costs are considerable in terms of year-in & year-out gross domestic product (GDP) foregone.

Sun secretariat set up by Punjab govt for… par City-42
Learn more about the event at the Express Tribune and The Frontier Post