Spokesman Report
Islamabad, May 01, 2026 – Four in ten children aged 12-36 months living in high-risk areas of seven cities in Pakistan were found to have lead in their blood, according to a new study by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C) and UNICEF released yesterday. Lead exposure can stunt growth, cause anaemia, and weaken the immune system, while also lowering IQ, reducing attention span, and impairing memory, raising the risk of learning difficulties and behavioural problems. https://ffc.com.pk
The study sampled over 2,100 children living in high-risk industrial areas in Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi, and found wide differences between locations. Children in Hattar, Haripur were the most affected, where 88 per cent had high levels of lead in their blood, compared to 1 per cent of children in Islamabad.
“Protecting children from lead exposure is a national public health priority. The evidence highlights the urgent need for coordinated action across health, environment, and regulatory systems. The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening surveillance, improving enforcement of standards, and integrating prevention into child health programmes nationwide,” stated Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, Federal Secretary Health, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C).
The study identified multiple sources of potential lead exposure based on global evidence, including industrial emissions, informal battery recycling, lead-based paints, contaminated spices and food, and traditional cosmetics. Lead exposure risks persist due to gaps in regulatory enforcement, monitoring, and public awareness.
Global estimates suggest that the burden may be far higher, with up to 8 in 10 children in Pakistan potentially affected—among the highest rates globally. Lead exposure is linked to reduced learning ability and long-term economic losses, estimated at 6–8 per cent of GDP in Pakistan (USD 25–35 billion annually).https://ffc.com.pk
“Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, making them especially vulnerable. Lead affects every system in the body, but its impact on developing brains can be devastating and lifelong. There is no safe level of exposure to lead for children whose harmful effects are irreversible. UNICEF is committed to strengthening evidence, advancing environmental health, and driving multi-sectoral action to protect children from this toxic threat,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
The high-level event brought together key stakeholders to review findings and agree on priority actions, highlighting the need for sustained coordination. Priorities include a national action plan to eliminate lead from high-risk products, a blood lead surveillance system within child health programmes, stronger public awareness, a government-led multi-sectoral task force, and improved evidence to guide policy and investment.
“Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to child health and development. The evidence is clear that it has lifelong consequences for learning and productivity. Eliminating exposure requires urgent regulatory action, stronger enforcement, and sustained investment in prevention and child protection systems,” said Mr. Abdullah Fadil, Director, Partnership for a Lead-Free Future.
To strengthen the evidence base, a nationally representative survey is planned later this year to assess lead exposure among children and pregnant women—the most vulnerable groups—and inform targeted policy and programme action.
The launch coincided with the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future’s mission to Pakistan , aimed at supporting national efforts through technical exchange, partnership-building, and alignment on priority actions to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2040.
