ISLAMABAD: While prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is escalating in Pakistan, statistics show that over 41pc of adults in Pakistan are either obese or overweight.

Additionally, more than 33 million people are currently living with diabetes, with another 10 million on the verge of developing the disease. Without immediate policy interventions, the number of individuals with diabetes is projected to surge to 62 million by 2045.

This was stated by Sanaullah Ghumman, general secretary and director operations Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah), at a media briefing on Saturday.

“After every minute one Pakistani experiences a heart attack and after two and half minute one Pakistani dies due to heart disease. As per International Diabetes Federation, approximately 1100 deaths in Pakistan are attributed to diabetes and its complication every day.”

He said unhealthy diet was among the major risk factors of heart, diabetes, obesity, kidney and many other fatal non-communicable diseases.

He said ultra-processed food and beverage products (UPPs) often laden with excessive sugar, salt and trans-fats significantly contributed to the health crisis.

“An unhealthy diet stands as a major modifiable risk factor for NCDs.

“The absence of evidence based policies like front of pack nutrition labelling and warning signs on ultra-processed foods is among the primary reasons that people are unable to adopt the healthy food choices,” he said.

“The annual cost of managing diabetes soared to over $2.64 billion in Pakistan in 2021. Ultra-processed food and beverage products particularly sugary drinks and junk foods are major contributors to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, kidney failure, and other chronic diseases,” he said.

Mr Ghumman emphasised the urgent need for policy action by regulatory bodies to address the increasing risk of diabetes and other NCDs.

He added that Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority was responsible for development of national standards and regulations to ensure access to healthy diet in the country.

He said a campaign in 2023 led to the imposition of a 20pc Federal Excise Duty (FED) on sweetened beverages and juices.

Despite substantial interference from the sugary drinks industry, the government decided to maintain the tax during finance bill 2024-25 which was a step toward right direction, he added.

“However, FBR should consider progressively increasing these taxes to minimum of 50 per cent of the retail price.

The revenue collected from these taxes may be allocated to increase the access of healthy diet to consumers on affordable prices,” he said. Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists President Tariq Virk said media will play its role in creating public awareness in this regard.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2024