Nestle stay order blocks formula milk advertising rules

A court stay obtained by Nestle has affected the implementation of directions requiring formula milk advertisements to carry the warning

Islamabad:  A court stay obtained by Nestle has affected the implementation of directions requiring formula milk advertisements to carry the warning “Mother’s Milk is the Best for a Child”, prompting a Senate committee to demand strict enforcement of the law and question the influence of commercial advertising on infant feeding. The committee also took up the employment concerns of around 20,000 microbiology, biotechnology and biochemistry graduates, while seeking answers about changes at the PIMS Burn Care Centre and shortages of teachers at a medical university.

The issues were discussed at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on November 3, 2026, at Parliament House. The meeting was chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti and attended by the Federal Health Minister, senators and senior officials.

The committee was informed that Nestle had obtained a stay order from the Islamabad High Court, affecting the implementation of the committee’s directions on formula milk advertising. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) told the committee that the required disclaimer had been broadcast on 29 television channels, while efforts were continuing to ensure its broadcast on the remaining channels. PEMRA also said it had written three letters to the Pakistan Broadcasters Association.

The chairman expressed concern over the delay and said the law must be implemented. He referred to international practices, stating that formula milk advertisements had been prohibited in 89 countries. He also cited the Lancet Series study of 2023, which uses the term Commercial Formula Milk to describe the commercial formula milk industry.

The committee stressed that formula milk should not be promoted as ordinary milk and that parents must be clearly informed about the importance of breastfeeding. Senator Shahzaib Durrani said the importance of mother’s milk must be properly communicated to the public.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri warned against misleading claims about formula milk and child growth. She called for a review of existing nutritional regulations and said the committee would not compromise on false claims. The Federal Health Minister acknowledged concerns about maternal malnutrition and the poor nutritional condition of mothers in Pakistan.

The minister informed the committee that instructions had been issued to prepare an advertisement highlighting the importance of breastfeeding. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) clarified that formula milk falls under its regulatory authority as an alternative medicine.

Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmed Khan raised legal questions about PEMRA’s authority and the proper procedure for implementing the committee’s directions. She said directives should be issued through the relevant ministry and then communicated to PEMRA. She also referred to Section 7 of the relevant Ordinance, which restricts formula milk advertisements.

The representative of the Council of Islamic Ideology informed the committee that a detailed response had been submitted in support of breastfeeding for the healthy growth and development of children.

The chairman directed the Ministry of National Health Services and PEMRA to ensure full implementation of the relevant Act of Parliament. He said the ministry, DRAP and the Council of Islamic Ideology had the necessary institutional and legal support to address the issue. He also offered the committee’s support for further legislation if required.

Another major concern involved around 20,000 people holding degrees in microbiology, biotechnology and biochemistry. The committee was informed that these professionals face uncertainty over recognition and registration under the Allied Health Professional Council Act, 2022. The new requirements could also affect future graduates.

Members were told that some professionals who had already completed their degrees and were working in relevant fields faced suspension or the possible loss of their jobs because of the new regulatory requirements.

Senator Rubina Khalid was asked to supervise a special committee to examine the issue and recommend a lasting solution. She demanded immediate submission of suspension letters and departmental orders, saying affected employees should not face further job difficulties while the matter was being reviewed. She also questioned whether institutions could change professional rules without approval from Parliament.

The Federal Health Minister proposed an accreditation committee to assess the qualifications, work experience and credit hours of affected professionals. The proposal included considering a one year work or experience certificate for additional academic credit. The committee also discussed reviewing the legal status of the relevant notification and providing extra training or courses where necessary.

The chairman directed all relevant authorities to work with Senator Rubina Khalid and develop a fair solution that considers the education and experience of existing professionals.

The PIMS Burn Care Centre also came under discussion following concerns about changes to its facilities, specialised equipment and postgraduate training. Questions had been raised about reports of patient areas being converted into offices and the discontinuation of burn surgery training.

The concerned official rejected the impression that the centre had been closed. The committee was informed that additional facilities were being introduced, including 20 beds for burn patients. Officials also said the centre had two operation theatres and around 21 postgraduate trainees were receiving training. They maintained that treatment and training activities were continuing.

The committee also examined staff shortages and infrastructure problems at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), particularly the requirements linked to its approved 100 Bachelor of Dental Surgery seats.

Officials told the committee that only 50 students were currently enrolled because of shortages of faculty and infrastructure. Senator Shahzaib Durrani questioned why key teaching positions, including professors of Anatomy and Oral Pathology, had not been filled.

The Federal Health Minister acknowledged the shortage and assured the committee that existing faculty would be upgraded and further recruitment would be completed within 60 days. The chairman directed the ministry to fill the required positions and address infrastructure gaps so the university could use its full approved capacity.

The meeting exposed serious questions about the enforcement of health laws, the protection of existing healthcare professionals and the management of public medical facilities. The Nestle court stay has slowed the implementation of the formula milk advertising directions, while thousands of qualified professionals remain uncertain about their registration and employment.