The ceremony featured
prominent speakers including Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, Caretaker Health Minister
of Punjab, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor, LCWU, and Dr. Talat Naseer
Pasha, Vice Chancellor, University of Education (UOE). The event also included
insightful presentations on various topics. Mr Rao M. Imran, Head of Quality
& Regulatory Affairs at Fauji Foods Limited, presented on "Safe Dairy
Nutrition Makes a Strong Nation," followed by Dr. Zubair Ahmed, Manager
Operations at Pakistan Dairy Association, who spoke about "Factors
Affecting Milk Quality and Safety from Farm to Fork." Dr. Muhammad Junaid,
Project Director of Milk Value Chain at the University of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Lahore, delivered a presentation on "Dairy as a Wholesome Food”.
Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan, Head of Gender and Development Studies, also participated
in the event and appreciated the role of Pakistan Dairy Association in
promoting the importance of safe milk consumption, especially to female
consumers.
Milk also plays a
crucial role in women's health, providing essential nutrients for maintaining
essential wellbeing. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor UOE, emphasized
that prioritizing women's health involved embracing milk as a nutrient-rich
beverage. With its calcium for strong bones, protein for muscle maintenance,
and vitamin D for immune support, milk aided in reducing the risk of
osteoporosis and enhancing overall well-being.
Dr. Shehzad Amin,
during his address at the seminar, stated, “On World Milk Day, we highlight the
significance of milk and dairy products. A glass of milk provides daily
nourishment to everyone, including children while fostering strong bones,
muscles, and overall health.”
He emphasized,
"Safe, hygienic packaged milk is crucial for children's well-being.
Inaccessible safe milk causes malnutrition, illness, and fatalities." He
further stressed on the importance of collective action by saying, "Global
cooperation is essential in securing safe and nutritious packaged milk for
children, demanding investments in dairy farming practices that prioritize
hygiene and minimize contamination risks in storage and transportation.” He
concluded the ceremony while expressing gratitude to all participants and
emphasizing on the significance of the day.
The distribution of
15,000 milk packs to students at various educational institutions aimed to
provide immediate access to safe and nutritious milk, promoting the well-being
of children and fostering a culture of healthy nutrition.
By celebrating World
Milk Day and advocating for safe milk and dairy consumption, the Pakistan Dairy
Association and its partners seek to build a healthier and more prosperous
future for Pakistani children and communities. Access to safe and nutritious
milk not only benefits individual children but also strengthens the nation as a
whole, fostering a more productive and resilient society.