Hyderabad: The 3rd World Food Day Conference 2026 brought together nutritionists, doctors, food scientists, poultry professionals, researchers and academics to discuss balanced diets, food safety, nutritional disorders and the growing challenge of malnutrition in Pakistan.
The conference featured informative presentations on human nutrition, traditional food practices, food toxins and the nutritional importance of animal source foods, particularly eggs, chicken, meat and milk.
One of the major highlights was a presentation by Dr. M. Asad Ur Rehman, an animal nutritionist, who explained how poultry products and other animal source foods can help address protein and micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan.
Experts Discuss Balanced Diets and Nutritional Health
Assistant Professor Dr. Zubala Yasir opened the academic discussions with a presentation on basic diet and nutrition for people of all ages. The session highlighted the importance of healthy eating habits and balanced nutritional intake throughout life.
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist Badar Hina shared valuable knowledge about nutritional disorders and the dietary requirements of hospital patients. Her presentation focused on the importance of appropriate nutrition in patient care and recovery.
Dr. Shahid Waheed discussed population studies in Pakistan, traditional food consumption patterns and the presence of toxins in food sources. His presentation highlighted the importance of food quality, safety and public awareness.
Dr. Asad Ur Rehman Explains How Poultry Products Can Help Fight Malnutrition
A particularly engaging session was delivered by Dr. M. Asad Ur Rehman on the topic Feeding a Malnourished Nation, Can Animal Source Foods Make a Difference?
His presentation explained the nutritional importance of eggs, chicken, meat, milk and fish, with particular emphasis on their contribution to dietary protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
He highlighted how animal source foods can form an important part of efforts to improve nutrition, particularly among children and populations facing nutritional deficiencies.
Dr. Asad also discussed the role of modern poultry farming, selective breeding, improved feed efficiency and commercial poultry production in making nutritious food more widely available.
Desi Chicken, Broilers, Hormones and Poultry Feed Discussed
One of the most interactive parts of the conference was the question and answer session following Dr. Asad Ur Rehman’s presentation.
Participants raised questions about desi chicken and commercially raised broilers, poultry growth, hormones, feed formulations, medicines and the nutritional quality of poultry products.
Dr. Asad addressed these questions through scientific explanations and practical examples. His discussion helped participants understand the differences between traditional and commercial poultry production and the importance of evidence based information.
The session also demonstrated the need to address common public misconceptions about poultry meat and eggs through scientific education.
Veterinary, Poultry and Nutrition Professionals Participate
The conference attracted participants from several disciplines, including human nutrition, clinical dietetics, food science, food processing technology, medicine and biological sciences.
Students, researchers, poultry industry professionals, directors and academic department heads also attended the event.
Among the distinguished participants was Dr. Zafar Qureshi, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at Ziauddin University, who travelled from Karachi to attend the conference.
Senior academic Dr. Shoukat Bhatti also travelled from Karachi to participate in the event.
Their participation highlighted the importance of cooperation between veterinary sciences, poultry production, food technology and human nutrition.
Why the Conference Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan continues to face major nutritional challenges, particularly childhood stunting, wasting and deficiencies of essential nutrients.
The conference highlighted the importance of promoting balanced diets, improving access to nutritious foods and strengthening cooperation among nutritionists, medical professionals, veterinarians and the food production industry.
It also drew attention to the contribution of poultry and livestock sectors to national food and nutrition security.