Quetta (Agencies): Pakistan faces a worsening crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with millions suffering from diabetes, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. These illnesses account for 60% of deaths nationwide, a statistic that health experts attribute to the rising consumption of ultra-processed products (UPPs).
At an event organized by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) in collaboration with religious leaders, health experts called for urgent policy measures to curb the health hazards posed by UPPs. Speaking at the event, Munawar Hussain, a food and nutrition expert, highlighted the role of sugary drinks and junk food in exacerbating diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. “In 2021, Pakistan’s annual cost of diabetes management exceeded $2.64 billion. Foods high in sugar, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and non-sugar sweeteners must be heavily taxed as an effective policy to reduce their consumption,” Hussain stated.
Sanaullah Ghumman, General Secretary of PANAH, shared alarming statistics: over 1,100 Pakistanis die daily due to diabetes and its complications, with more than 41% of adults classified as overweight or obese. “Currently, over 33 million people live with diabetes, and another 10 million are at risk,” he said, urging the government to introduce policies such as taxing UPPs and implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels. He emphasized that such measures could boost government revenue, reduce healthcare costs, and improve public health outcomes.
Religious leaders present at the event pledged to leverage their platforms to raise awareness about the dangers of UPPs. They also urged the government to prioritize taxing unhealthy food items over essentials like stationery.
This collective call for action underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to address its NCD crisis through robust regulatory frameworks and public education campaigns aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits.