Religious scholars urged to promote awareness on breastfeeding

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has called on religious scholars to play their role in raising awareness about the Islamic teachings on breastfeeding, highlighting its benefits and the recommended duration.
Speaking at a national interfaith dialogue on the "Role of Religious Leadership in Promoting Better Nutrition and Welfare for Women and Newborns," Additional Secretary Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman said breastfeeding is a fundamental right of newborns. 
He assured that religious affairs ministry is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, and other institutions to spread awareness on this vital issue.
The dialogue, held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, brought together representatives from the health ministry, UNICEF, Save the Children, Health Services Academy, Dawah Academy, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), and various religious scholars.
Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman announced that the CII, along with male and female Islamic scholars from different faiths, will be consulted to further promote the guidance on breastfeeding.
Dr. Shehzad Ali Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, highlighted the key role of the family in society, with the mother at its centre. He expressed concern over media campaigns that threaten Pakistan’s family system. 
He stressed the need for collaboration between religious scholars and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to safeguard maternal and child health. 
He warned against the health risks posed by breast milk substitutes, asserting that no product can replicate the benefits of a mother’s milk, which provides essential immunity to newborns and aids their mental and physical development.
Mufti Gulzar Naeemi urged mothers to follow Quranic guidance and breastfeed for at least two years. He also recommended involving religious institutions in awareness campaigns on maternal and child nutrition.
Dr. Ashfaq said breastfeeding should continue until a child develops teeth, describing it as a maternal obligation. 
Dr. Zia-ur-Rehman, Director General of Dawah Academy, called for the development of breastfeeding literature based on the Quran and Sunnah and pledged the academy's support.
Christian leader Christopher Sheriff said that breastfeeding is also encouraged within Christianity, cautioning against substitutes. He suggested that if a mother is unable to breastfeed, close female relatives should take on the responsibility. Sheriff also proposed promoting marriage counselling through churches and mosques.
Dr. Ayesha from the health ministry underscored the importance of using media to educate the public about breastfeeding.
The dialogue concluded with a call for legislation to discourage the promotion of artificial milk substitutes and the need to ensure the mental and physical well-being of mothers through proper nutrition. It was also suggested that consanguineous marriages should be discouraged for the health of future generations.