ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik on Thursday emphasised the need for stronger preventive health policies, public awareness and investment in primary healthcare to address the growing burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan.
He was speaking as Chief Guest at an event hosted by the Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah) in connection with World Diabetes Day 2026, under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes”.
The event featured a presentation on the diabetes situation in Pakistan and a proposal for establishing a National Diabetes and NCDs Conclave.
The minister appreciated continued advocacy for healthier food policies and NCD prevention.
Highlighting the alarming scale of the challenge, the minister noted that, according to the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025, approximately 34.5 million people in Pakistan were living with diabetes, with nearly one-third of adults having been affected by the disease.
He stressed that diabetes was not merely a health issue but also a significant economic and development challenge, requiring urgent action on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik emphasised that greater resources must be directed towards public awareness, healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare.
He highlighted the importance of evidence-based food policies, including health taxes on sugary drinks, front-of-pack warning labels and restrictions on marketing unhealthy food to children. He also underscored the need to strengthen primary healthcare as the foundation for screening, early diagnosis and timely referral.
General Secretary Panah Sanaullah Ghumman stressed that Pakistan urgently needed strong policy measures to tackle the diabetes epidemic, emphasising that policymaking must remain free from conflicts of interest and prioritise public health over commercial interests.
He highlighted that mandatory Front of Package Warning Labels (FOPWL) would help consumers identify products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, enabling informed food choices and reducing exposure to dietary risk factors that contribute to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Retired Col Dr Shakeel Ahmed Mirza, Diabetologist, presented alarming facts and figures on the growing prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan. He highlighted the serious health complications associated with the disease and emphasised the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, healthier dietary habits and collective action to control its growing burden.
Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2026
