21/10/2025
Inauguration of the Three-Day NutriConnect 2025 – PNDS Nutrition Conference
October 17, 2025 — The NutriConnect 2025 – PNDS Nutrition Conference commenced today with an impressive inaugural ceremony, marking the beginning of a three-day scientific event dedicated to advancing nutrition research, practice, and policy in Pakistan.
The conference, continuing over the next two days, brings together national and international experts, delegates, and practitioners to exchange insights on emerging trends, innovations, and evidence-based approaches in nutrition and public health.
The inaugural session was graced by Professor Dr. Syed Shabib Ul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, Dr. Shabib Ul Hasan appreciated the commendable efforts of the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS) and the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HND) at Hamdard University Islamabad Campus for organizing such a valuable international conference. He highlighted the importance of nutrition in improving community health and acknowledged the valuable participation of experts from across the globe. He further emphasized that such conferences play a crucial role in bringing positive change to the national health sector through knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and professional development.
Mr. Imtiaz Haider the Director General of Hamdard University Islamabad Campus also addressed the gathering, congratulating the HND Department and PNDS for successfully organizing such a fruitful and impactful event. Speaking on behalf of Madam Sadia Rashid (Hilal-e-Imtiaz), Chancellor of Hamdard University, who could not attend due to her participation in the death anniversary event of Shaheed Hakim Mohammad Said, founder of Hamdard University, in Karachi, the DG conveyed her best wishes and heartfelt appreciation for the organizers. He also extended gratitude to the organizing committee, faculty members, and volunteers of Hamdard University Islamabad Campus for their dedication and teamwork in ensuring the success of NutriConnect 2025.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Chief Nutrition Section and SUN Focal Person at the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, and Maryy Essaw, President of the UK Nutrition Society. Both lauded PNDS’s continuous efforts in promoting the science of nutrition, fostering professional excellence, and strengthening international collaboration.
In his remarks, Dr. Nazeer Ahmed emphasized the need for evidence-based policymaking in nutrition and appreciated PNDS for providing a platform that connects academia, practitioners, and policymakers. He highlighted that such initiatives are essential to address Pakistan’s nutritional challenges and to strengthen national programs aimed at improving public health outcomes.
Maryy Essaw, President of the UK Nutrition Society, commended the collaborative spirit of PNDS and appreciated the active involvement of young researchers and professionals in the conference. She remarked that platforms like NutriConnect 2025 encourage global learning, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, helping to advance the field of nutrition worldwide.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by the PNDS representative Rabia Anwar President PNDS and Faiza Khan General Secretary, who expressed deep appreciation to the distinguished speakers, participants, and the management of Hamdard University Islamabad Campus for their generous support and collaboration in making NutriConnect 2025 a resounding success.
