Zubair Qureshi
The increasing consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed products is posing a serious threat to public health in Pakistan. The ischemic heart diseases, stroke and diabetes are causing health risks for the Pakistanis.
The civil society activists in the meeting of civil society coalition organized by Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) urged the government to adopt an evidence-based package of policies to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed products.
“Unhealthy diet is one of the top risk factors of non-communicable diseases and kills thousands of Pakistanis every day. The evidence shows that reducing consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed products can reduce deaths and diseases and save lives of several Pakistanis” Munawar Hussain, Country Coordinator at Global Health Advocacy Incubator in Pakistan said while speaking during the meeting. The ultra-processed products are high in either one or more nutrients of concern like sodium, sugar, trans-fats and saturated fats. Tax on sugary drinks and highly processed foods will regulate its marketing. He also demanded printing of warnings on the packing/labels and removing these products from schools. This will help greatly reduce deaths and diseases” he added.
Sanaullah Ghumman, General Secretary at PANAH said the provincial food authorities under the directives of Prime Minister’s strategic reform units are campaigning to print calories on the menus of the restaurants. However, this intervention may have limited or no impact as the source of calories matters, he said. One could not compare the calories coming from broccoli or a glass of milk with sugary drinks or a platter of pasta, Ghumman further said.
Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) along with provincial food authorities should focus on introducing mandatory front of pack warning labels to restaurant foods and all packed processed foods, Sanaullah Ghumman said adding it would help consumers to identify harmful foods and choose healthier alternatives.
Dr. Khawaja Masood Ahmed, National Coordinator Nutrition and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination said the tax increase on sugary drinks through supplementary finance bill and later in finance act 2023 was a step by the government of Pakistan towards ensuring a healthy diet to its population. We request PANAH and Global Health Advocacy Incubator to continue providing technical support to the ministry for introducing evidence based policies to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods. Those who attended the meeting include President Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society, Fayza Khan, General Secretary Pakistan Kidney Patients Welfare Association, Ghulam Abbas, Chairperson Civil Society Alliance Mubarak Ali Sarwar, General Secretary Diabetic Association of Pakistan, Dr. Abdul Basit, Commissioner (R) Abdul Hafeez, Chief Executive Heart file, Dr. Saba Ajmad, Chairperson Sidra Welfare Foundation, Dr. Sidra Akhtar and representatives of civil society, health experts and media.
