ISLAMABAD: As the World Heart Day is being observed on Tuesday (tomorrow), health experts and civil society representatives have called for stronger preventive measures and public health policies to tackle the growing burden of heart and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan.
Speaking at an awareness ceremony organised by the Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah), experts said healthier lifestyles, improved diets and effective food policies could play a key role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, particularly among children and young people.
Chief guest retired Maj Gen Prof Mohammad Suhail Ameen, vice chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University, said prevention, awareness and timely action were essential for building a healthier society. He called for collective efforts by government institutions, health professionals, civil society and the public to address preventable risk factors associated with heart disease and other NCDs.
Commandant and Executive Director AFIC-NIHD Maj Gen Nadir Khan expressed concern over the growing burden of NCDs in the country.
President Panah retired Maj Gen Masudur Rehman Kiani said a number of major risk factors for heart disease could be addressed through changes in everyday habits. He urged people to incorporate regular walking and physical activity into their routines, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, manage stress and adopt a balanced diet.
He stressed the need to reduce the foods containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
Health and nutrition expert Munawar Hussain said individual lifestyle changes needed to be complemented by effective public health policies. He highlighted front-of-pack warning labels as an important tool for helping consumers identify products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
“Clear warning labels can help consumers make informed choices and may contribute to reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods,” he said.
Mr Hussain said protecting children and young people should be a national priority as unhealthy diets and physical inactivity were contributing to the rising burden of NCDs.
Panah General Secretary Sanaullah Ghumman said the organisation had been working through awareness campaigns, advocacy and engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders to promote healthier lifestyles among young people.
Senior Executive Vice President of the organisation Dr Abdul Qayyum Awan urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support evidence-based measures aimed at preventing heart disease and other NCDs.
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026
