The Ministry of Science and Technology held a high-level meeting with a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) delegation to address growing concerns over lead exposure and its impact on public health in Pakistan.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Nawabzada Khalid Hussain Magsi along with Federal Secretary Shahid Iqbal Baloch and attended by a delegation led by Abdullah A. Fodil representing the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF).
Discussions focused on the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly its harmful effects on maternal health, child development, and long-term population well-being. Participants stressed the need for urgent regulatory and preventive measures.
Among the key proposals was the establishment of a Lead-Free Testing Laboratory at PCSIR Karachi, with proposed regional branches in Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar to strengthen research and monitoring of lead contamination and mitigation strategies.
The meeting also emphasized tightening regulations under the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) regarding permissible lead content in products such as oil-based paints, cosmetics including antimony surma, food items, and other consumer goods. Improved oversight of industrial practices was also discussed.
Officials highlighted the importance of nationwide awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and technical conferences. The minister assured that the Pakistan Science Foundation would launch a series of seminars on the environmental and health risks of lead exposure.
Both sides reaffirmed that the collaboration marks a significant step toward building a safer, healthier, and lead-free future for children in Pakistan.