Pakistan reports major decline in child stunting under BNP programme

The findings of the Endline Impact Evaluation show a notable decline in child stunting and better maternal and newborn health outcomes among beneficiary families across the country.

The study revealed that stunting among children was reduced by 22 percent at six months of age and 18 percent at one year. It also recorded a 6 percent decrease in low birth weight cases, an 11 percent drop in premature births, and a 7 percent reduction in weak newborns.

The results were presented during a session held at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) headquarters in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah described the findings as a major milestone for Pakistan’s social protection system, stating that targeted nutrition interventions are proving effective in improving child health outcomes.

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BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid said the programme reflects the importance of investing in mothers and children, adding that over 4.5 million women and children have been supported across 157 districts through BNP’s nationwide network.

She added that the initiative integrates social protection with health and nutrition services to ensure long-term human development and better living standards for vulnerable families.

During the event, experts including Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta of Aga Khan University highlighted that the programme is showing measurable progress in reducing malnutrition.

Ms. Anita Raza Farooq from the National Commission on the Rights of Child emphasized that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life remain critical for physical and cognitive development.

Representatives from WHO, WFP, UNICEF, and other partner organizations also attended the session and appreciated the programme’s impact on maternal and child health outcomes.