Imran Shah hails major decline in child stunting under Benazir Nashonuma Programme

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah Thursday termed the significant reduction in child stunting under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP) a major achievement for Pakistan’s social protection sector

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah Thursday termed the significant reduction in child stunting under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP) a major achievement for Pakistan’s social protection sector.

He said the initiative was delivering tangible improvements in maternal and child health outcomes across vulnerable communities.

Speaking at a session held at BISP Headquarters on the 'Endline Impact Evaluation of the BNP' conducted by Aga Khan University, the minister said the evaluation demonstrated that targeted nutrition and maternal health interventions could significantly improve child health outcomes and reduce stunting.

The independent evaluation revealed that stunting rates among beneficiary children were 22 percent lower at six months of age and 18 percent lower at one year of age.

The study also reported a 6 percent reduction in low birth weight cases, an 11 percent decline in premature births, and a 7 percent decrease in weak and vulnerable newborns.

Addressing the session, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Rubina Khalid said the Benazir Nashonuma Programme held special significance because healthy mothers and children were essential for building a strong and prosperous nation.

She said the programme had reached over 4.5 million women and children across 157 districts through a nationwide network of 578 facilitation centres and 169 stabilization centres.

Senator Rubina Khalid said every improvement highlighted by the study reflected a mother receiving better support and a child getting a healthier start to life.

She added that BISP was integrating social protection with nutrition and health interventions to promote long-term human development and improve the well-being of vulnerable families.

During the session, Ayesha Raza Farooq emphasized the importance of investing in children’s well-being, stating that the first 1,000 days from conception until a child’s second birthday were the most critical period for cognitive development, learning ability, physical health, and future productivity.

Earlier, renowned global health expert Zulfiqar Bhutta presented the findings of the Endline Impact Evaluation and highlighted that the BNP was making clear progress in reducing stunting and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Meanwhile, Anita Zaidi termed the Benazir Nashonuma Programme a powerful model of social protection and appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s leadership in improving the lives of millions, particularly women and children.

Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad, along with representatives of partner organizations including the World Health Organization, World food Programme and UNICEF, also attended the session.