LAHORE: (Tuesday, February 17, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that in order to stay healthy and energetic, it is essential to consume a nutritious diet and make exercise a regular habit.

He was addressing an awareness seminar on ‘Large Scale Food Fortification Program’ organized by the Department of Food Sciences Punjab University,*Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) in collaboration with Nutrition International at Al-Razi Hall here on Tuesday.
On this occasion, Dean Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Prof Dr Tehmina Anjum, Chairman Department of Food Sciences Prof Dr Shinawar Waseem Ali, Director ORIC Prof. Dr Aqeel Inam, Member Food at the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority Dr Muhammad Nasir, Additional Director General Planning and Development at the Punjab Food Authority Munir Hussain Chopra, along with members from the Ministry of Law and the Food Department, faculty members, and a large number of students from various departments attended the seminar.
In his address, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that Pakistan is an agricultural country, yet fruits and vegetables are sold at high prices in the market. He stated that good nutrition is essential for positive thinking and staying active. He emphasized that universities must play a key role in developing sustainable food strategies and strengthening institutional partnerships. Appreciating the organizers for arranging the successful event, he said that awareness programs play an important role in ensuring access to quality, affordable, and nutritious food.
Prof Dr Shinawar Waseem said that 40 percent of people in Pakistan suffer from iron deficiency, which is a matter of serious concern. He stated that the institution will continue to play its full role in implementing coordinated policy measures and raising large-scale awareness to address iron deficiency. He added that fortification of staple foods such as flour and edible oil is extremely important in improving public health outcomes, particularly for women and children. He thanked PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali and others especially ORIC-PU for their cooperation in organizing the seminar. He said that the purpose of the seminar was to mainstream nutrition in provincial policies, strengthen parliamentary commitment to food security, and ensure the implementation of mandatory fortification.
Dr Muhammad Nasir said that food and nutrition testing is also essential, and in the past there was no proper mechanism to assess it. He added that state-of-the-art laboratories have been established at the PAFDA, which will be able to determine vitamin levels in food testing.
Munir Hussain Chopra said that to ensure people’s health, food safety must be accompanied by proper nutrition. Prof. Dr. Tehmina Anjum emphasised that Agricultural Scientists can play their role by doing research on developing biofortified crop varieties. The seminar was ended by paying special thanks to ORIC-PU and NI officials for their generous support in organising this activity.