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Pakistan’s leading human milk bank established at Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) has been suspended following a new fatwa issued by Darul Uloom Karachi.
The postponement came after the agency sought further guidance from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
In a bilingual statement, SICHN announced the suspension of the milk bank initiative, citing recent religious rulings by prominent scholars and Madaris. However, a revised fatwa dated June 16, 2024 led to his suspension.
SICHN officials explained, “Bank ASI was established after seeking and receiving a fatwa from Darul Uloom Karawang, which allowed us to continue. However, due to the recently revised fatwa, we have suspended our work.”
We understand and respect the religious and cultural sensitivities associated with such projects and always aim to align our efforts with the principles and Islamic values.”
The milk bank, inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho in collaboration with UNICEF and Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) staff, is the first Sharia compliant facility in Pakistan. It is designed to provide breast milk to premature babies when the mother does not get enough nutrition.
SICHN Chairman Dr Jamal Raza stressed the critical need for milk banking and said, “Breastfeeding is important for babies born before 34 weeks because these babies are often very weak and many mothers do not have an adequate supply of breast milk. Our aim is to save the lives of children who this is vulnerable.”
Based at the Government Hospital in Karawang, this project was established after the first fatwa from Darul Uloom Karawang. However, objections from clerics and other religious groups led to the issuance of a new fatwa and further revisions of the milk bank.
Dr. Raza emphasized that SICHN has turned to the Council of Islamic Ideology for further guidance as it navigates the complex intersection of healthcare and religious teachings.
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