Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Nawabzada Khalid Hussain Magsi, along with Federal Secretary for Science and Technology, Mr. Shahid Iqbal Baloch, met a high-level delegation led by H.E. Abdullah A. Fodil, Director, Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The meeting focused on critical public health challenges posed by lead exposure. The participants expressed deep concern over its harmful effects on maternal health, childhood development, and the long-term well-being of citizens. The discussions also covered national priorities, preventive strategies, and the urgent need for robust regulatory interventions to effectively address the issues.
Several key proposals were discussed, including the establishment of a Lead-Free Testing Laboratory at PCSIR Karachi, with regional extensions in Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar to support research and development on lead prevalence, control, and mitigation strategies.
It was further emphasized to strengthen regulatory frameworks under the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) regarding permissible lead content in oil-based paints, cosmetics (including antimony surma), food items, and other products containing lead, along with improved monitoring of industrial practices.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of national conferences, policy dialogues, and awareness campaigns. In this regard, the Federal Minister assured that the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) will initiate a comprehensive series of awareness seminars on the environmental and health hazards of lead exposure.
The Federal Minister and the Federal Secretary for Science and Technology reiterated that this collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving a healthier, safer, and lead-free future for the children of Pakistan.
