Event Overview: The seminar on “Safe Milk and Dairy Nutrition: Shaping the Future” was held on August 12, 2023, at the Karachi Expo Centre, as part of the TDAP FoodAg Expo. Organized by the National Alliance for Safe Food, this seminar brought together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the critical importance of safe milk and dairy nutrition in shaping a healthier future for Pakistan. The event took place in the Congress Area, Level 02, and was moderated by Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food.

Opening Ceremony: The seminar began at 10:00 am with the arrival of guests, followed by a recitation of the Holy Quran, Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool, and the National Anthem. This set a respectful and solemn tone for the discussions that were to follow.

Keynote Talks:

• Shehzad Amin, CEO of the Pakistan Dairy Association, opened the session with a talk on the seminar’s topic. He emphasized the significance of safe milk as a cornerstone of public health and its role in ensuring the well-being of future generations. Dr. Amin also highlighted the challenges faced by the dairy industry in Pakistan, including issues related to milk safety, quality control, and the need for regulatory frameworks that support the industry while protecting consumers.
• Ali Tanveer Khan, Director of Sales at FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Ltd. (FCEPL), followed with a brief talk, focusing on the innovative strategies being implemented by the company to enhance dairy nutrition and ensure the delivery of safe milk to consumers across Pakistan. He underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving industry-wide improvements and the role of technology in enhancing dairy production and safety standards.

Panel Discussion: The core of the seminar was a panel discussion titled “Safe Milk and Dairy Nutrition: Shaping the Future.” This session featured a distinguished panel of experts who provided insights into various aspects of the dairy industry and the critical role of safe milk in public health.

• Shehzad Amin, as the CEO of Pakistan Dairy Association, led the discussion with his deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and potential solutions, stressing the need for stringent quality control measures and consumer education.
• Ali Tanveer Khan, representing FrieslandCampina Engro, shared industry perspectives on how corporate practices and innovations are shaping the future of dairy nutrition in Pakistan. He also discussed the company’s efforts in promoting safe milk practices and their impact on consumer trust and health.
• Qamar Zaman, Director General of the Ministry of Commerce (Agro), provided insights into government policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the dairy sector. He emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for dairy producers, including access to finance, technology, and markets, to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector.
• Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General of TDAP (Agro), discussed the role of trade and export in the dairy industry, highlighting the potential for Pakistan to become a significant player in the global dairy market. He stressed the need for compliance with international standards and the importance of positioning Pakistani dairy products as safe and high-quality in the global marketplace.
• Agha Fakhar, Director General of the Sindh Food Authority, concluded the discussion by focusing on the regulatory aspects of milk safety. He elaborated on the role of the Sindh Food Authority in enforcing food safety regulations and the importance of collaboration between industry and regulators to ensure compliance and protect public health.

Conclusion: The seminar on “Safe Milk and Dairy Nutrition: Shaping the Future” provided a comprehensive platform for dialogue on the critical issues facing Pakistan’s dairy industry. The discussions highlighted the importance of safe milk as a fundamental component of public health and the need for continued efforts to improve dairy nutrition and safety standards. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and regulatory bodies in driving progress and ensuring that the future of dairy in Pakistan is safe, nutritious, and sustainable.