Non-communicable diseases account for 60pc of deaths, say speakers

In Pakistan, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for approximately 60% of all deaths, according to retired Maj Gen Masudur Rehman Kiani, president of the Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah). During an event aimed at raising awareness about warning labels on ultra-processed foods, Kiani emphasized that consumers are unable to make healthy choices without clear information about excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats present in packaged products.

This event was organized by Panah in collaboration with its coalition partners, including the Pakistan Kidney Patients Association, HeartFiles, Pakistan Medical Association, and Pakistan Association of Family Physicians. They all came together to form a lawyers forum advocating for mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWLs) on ultra-processed products.

Kiani stressed that consumers have the right to know what they are eating, advocating for stronger measures to tackle the rising burden of diet-related diseases. Sanaullah Ghumman, Panah general secretary, urged the government and regulatory bodies, especially the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), to swiftly implement FOPWL regulations without compromising public-health measures due to commercial interests.

Akhlaq Awan, a senior Supreme Court advocate representing the Lawyers Forum, highlighted that access to accurate food information is a consumer right and a matter of public interest. The attendees called for easily understandable warning labels and immediate regulatory action, with a particular focus on protecting children and young people from preventable diet-related diseases.