Pakistan’s pioneering Human Milk Bank, established at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), has been suspended following a new fatwa issued by Dar-ul-Uloom Karachi.

The suspension comes after the institute sought further guidance from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) regarding the project.

The milk bank, which was launched with an initial fatwa from Darul Uloom Karachi, was designed to provide breast milk to premature infants who lacked sufficient maternal nutrition. However, a revised fatwa dated June 16, 2024, has led to the suspension of the initiative.

SICHN, in a statement, cited recent religious decrees from prominent scholars and Madaris as the reason for the suspension, stating their commitment to respecting religious and cultural sensitivities.

Dr. Jamal Raza, head of SICHN, emphasized the critical need for the milk bank, explaining that breastfeeding is vital for premature infants who are often too weak and lack sufficient maternal milk supply. He stated that the aim was to save the lives of these vulnerable children.

The project, inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho alongside officials from UNICEF and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), was Pakistan’s first Shariah-compliant facility of its kind.

Following objections from other scholars and religious groups, Dar-ul-Uloom Karachi issued a new fatwa, leading to the suspension of the milk bank. SICHN has now referred the matter to the Council of Islamic Ideology for further guidance as they navigate the complex intersection of healthcare and religious doctrine.