On 15th December 2014, a seminar on “Poverty, Consumption, Food Security, and Malnutrition in Pakistan” was held at the Pakistan Planning Commission. The seminar was organised by The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) and the Ministry of Health Services Regulation and Coordination (MHSRC).

During the seminar, Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal spoke about the governments commitment to addressing poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity through joints efforts with the provinces.

“Malnutrition reduces learning capabilities of children which compromise economic productivity in the long run. Pakistan Vision 2025 targets to reduce malnutrition up to 50 per cent.. A mechanism is being established by the Planning Commission to coordinate with business community, academia, and the civil society to address these issues,” the minister said.

Nutrition Planning Commission of Pakistan Chief, and SUN Government Focal Point, Aslam Shaheen also spoke at the event, highlighting the efforts that the government was undertaking to address malnutrition in the country.

Read more at The Express Tribune:

• Right to food: Food security crucial for socio-economic growth: Ahsan Iqbal

• Food fortification: Government weighing action plan, legislation