Human milk banks get green light in Pakistan, with conditions

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has approved in principle a proposal to establish human milk banks in Pakistan, saying the initiative is permissible under defined conditions but requires proper legislation to prevent misuse.

The council reviewed a bill submitted by the Sindh Health Department for setting up an institution to preserve breast milk for children in need, particularly infants who cannot be breastfed by their mothers.

In its decision, the CII said such facilities could be allowed provided a clear legal framework is put in place to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. It stressed that safeguards were necessary to regulate the process and avoid any misuse.

The council noted that it had earlier endorsed the concept during a meeting last year, but had emphasised the need for legislation before implementation.

The matter had come under discussion after the suspension of Pakistan’s first human milk bank, established in 2023 by the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology in collaboration with UNICEF, following religious objections and public criticism.

During the meeting, the council also reviewed a ruling by the Islamabad High Court on matrimonial assets and reiterated its position that the concept is not compatible with Shariah. It said it had already conveyed this view to a Senate committee, which subsequently rejected the bill.

The CII expressed concern over the court directing the government to legislate on the matter and decided to write to the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court and the speaker of the National Assembly to communicate its reservations.

The council also approved standard operating procedures prepared by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for recycling sacred pages, terming them satisfactory.

It further raised concern over an incident involving its member Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi in London and urged the government to take action.

The meeting, chaired by Raghib Hussain Naeemi, also acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir in efforts linked to a ceasefire in the Middle East.