Child stunting declines in Pakistan, finds survey

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that approximately 3.9 million beneficiaries have been enrolled in the 'Nashonuma Program' over the past five years to address the issue of stunting.

Responding to questions during the question hour, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said the enrolled beneficiaries include two million children and 1.8 million pregnant women.

Citing an impact evaluation conducted by the Aga Khan University, the minister said the programme has had a significant effect on reducing stunting.

According to midline study results, stunting among children under two years of age has decreased by 6.4%, while stunting within the 6-month age group has declined by an "enormous" 20%. He added that low birth weight has reduced by 5.6%, while early initiation of breastfeeding has increased by 11.6%.

Shah informed the house that the programme — initially piloted in 15 districts — has now expanded nationwide. At present, it is operational in 157 districts through 542 facilitation centres. He clarified that there is no plan for further expansion of Nashonuma at the moment.

The minister said over 10 million digital wallets have already been created under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), with SIM distribution underway. He assured that by March 2026, beneficiaries will no longer have to stand in long queues or face deductions and complaints, as payments will be fully digitised.