Islamabad, August 20 2026: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was held today under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti to deliberate on legislative, regulatory and public health matters, including regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, formula milk promotion, duration of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme, and administrative concerns relating to the Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by Senator Masroor Ahsan, Senator Rubina Khalid, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Rahat Jamali, Senator Shahzaib Durrani, Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt and Senator Sarmad Ali. The Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal was also present along with concerned officials from the ministry.
The Committee considered the Private Member’s Bill titled “The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025”, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali during the Senate sitting held in Dec, 2025, and subsequently referred to the Committee for consideration.
During the discussion, Senator Sarmad Ali stated that the bill had remained pending for a considerable period, while the Federal Minister for National Health Services informed the Committee that Private Member’s Bills are required to follow the prescribed procedure and Standard Operating Procedures of the Ministry of Law under Rule 28.
The Adl. Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, briefed the Committee that such bills require government consent, detailed examination by the concerned ministry, stakeholder consultation and assessment of financial implications.
The Committee observed that all relevant stakeholders had already been consulted and that the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority possesses laboratory capacity to test nicotine levels. Members expressed concern over the prolonged delay and noted that implementation of the proposed legislation would not create financial implications for the government.
Following discussion, the Committee voted & unanimously recommended “The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025” as proposed by the mover.
The Committee reviewed the compliance status of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) regarding implementation of its directives on formula milk advertisements.
The Chairperson PEMRA informed the Committee that between July 24, 2026 and August 16, 2026, advertisements for Lactogrow formula milk were aired on television channels with the disclaimer “Mother’s milk is the best for a child”, with a reported total of 6,171 broadcasts. Similarly, Nido formula milk advertisements carrying disclaimers were aired 1,555 times in 3 days.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the existing disclaimer and emphasized that stronger warnings were required to clearly communicate that formula milk cannot replace mother’s milk. Senator Shahzaib Durrani proposed that warnings should be prominently displayed on packaging, similar to health warnings on cigarette packs, and should also be included through voice-over messages in advertisements.
The Chairperson PEMRA further informed the Committee that Dawn Media would organize “The Act for Nutrition Summit” on September 2 and 3, 2026, in Islamabad, focusing on malnutrition, stunting and maternal and child health.
The Committee was also informed that satellite television channels were providing coverage on child health and nutrition, including the importance of breastfeeding.
Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti reiterated that formula milk regulation remained an important public health matter and stressed that the issue should continue to be pursued at the appropriate regulatory level. He expressed concern over inadequate public awareness and limited media coverage despite repeated directions by the Committee.
The Committee considered a briefing by the Ministry of National Health Services and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding the proposal to extend the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme from four years to five years.
Officials informed the Committee that dentistry has undergone significant advancements globally and that an additional year was proposed to align dental education in Pakistan with international standards.
Senator Rubina Khalid opposed the extension, stating that improving curriculum, quality and clinical training was more important than increasing the duration of the programme. She emphasized that quality of education, rather than the number of years, should remain the priority and expressed concerns regarding additional financial burden on parents.
Officials clarified that the proposal was aimed at producing competent dental professionals and ensuring international recognition of Pakistani dental qualifications. They informed the Committee that several international systems require five years of dental education for equivalence purposes.
Representatives from Pakistan Association of Private Medical & Dental Institutions(PAMI) showed serious displeasure over this & even mentioned that they were not taken into confidence over this order. They even mentioned that the Honorable Prime Minister had directed PMDC to consult with them prior to making any changes.
Senator Shahzaib Durrani questioned the distinction between four-year and five-year graduates and sought clarification regarding the future status of existing graduates.
Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti raised serious concerns over the process through which the proposed change was approved. After detailed deliberation, the Committee unanimously directed the Ministry and PMDC to retain the four-year BDS programme. The Committee emphasized that major educational reforms should only be introduced after comprehensive consultations with students, parents, and other relevant stakeholders, as these stakeholders had not been adequately consulted. The Committee further stressed the need to improve the existing curriculum, enhance clinical training, and strengthen academic standards.
The Committee considered a matter of public importance regarding alleged eviction of students from Balochistan from the hostels of the Health Services Academy, Islamabad, raised by Senator Jan Muhammad during the Senate sitting held on May 21, 2026.
However, during the proceedings, serious concerns were raised by the Federal Minister for National Health Services regarding the administrative affairs and performance of the Vice Chancellor, Health Services Academy.
The Committee expressed displeasure over the absence of the Vice Chancellor despite being summoned. Later, an HSA representative informed the Committee that the Vice Chancellor is present outside the meeting hall, after which the Chairman allowed him to appear before the Committee.
During the proceedings, members questioned the legal status of his continuation in office and stated that relevant institutional officials should brief the Committee on administrative matters.
Senator Rubina emphasized that institutions responsible for education and professional training must serve as role models for students and uphold principles of integrity, ethics and academic excellence.
The Federal Minister informed the Committee that the Health Services Academy falls under the authority of the President of Pakistan. After detailed discussion, members unanimously requested the Chairman committee to formally communicate the Committee’s concerns to the President of Pakistan regarding administrative issues, institutional governance and continuation of the Vice Chancellor within the legal framework.
The Committee further observed that if amendments to the Health Services Academy Act are required to improve oversight and governance, necessary legislative measures may be initiated. Members emphasized that bringing the institution under the direct administrative control of the concerned Ministry could strengthen parliamentary oversight, accountability and transparency while ensuring effective functioning of the Institution.
