KARACHI, October 28, 2026: The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) has urged the federal government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed food products, warning that unhealthy dietary habits and rising consumption of sugary drinks are contributing to Pakistan’s growing diabetes crisis.
The call was made during an awareness session organised by PANAH in collaboration with the University of Karachi in connection with World Diabetes Day. Speakers highlighted the increasing burden of diabetes and called for stronger government regulations to help consumers make healthier food choices.
According to figures from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) cited during the session, approximately 34.5 million adults in Pakistan are living with diabetes, with an age-standardised prevalence of 31.4 percent, placing the country among those with the highest diabetes prevalence rates worldwide.
Participants identified excessive consumption of sugary beverages, ultra-processed foods, obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity as major contributors to the growing public health challenge.
PANAH calls diabetes a national health emergency
Addressing the gathering, PANAH representative Sana Ullah Ghumman described the increasing prevalence of diabetes as a national health emergency that was placing a substantial financial and social burden on families and the healthcare system.
He stressed that preventive measures were essential to reducing the long-term impact of the disease, particularly among children and young people.
Ghumman said mandatory front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWLs) could help consumers identify packaged products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
He explained that clearly displayed nutritional warnings would enable consumers to recognise potentially unhealthy products without having to interpret complicated nutritional information.
“Consumers, particularly children and young people, often consume unhealthy products without understanding their nutritional risks,” he said.
“Front-of-Pack Warning Labels will help them identify products high in sugar at a glance, discourage unhealthy consumption and encourage healthier food choices.”
Ghumman maintained that preventing diabetes required creating a healthier food environment rather than relying solely on individual dietary decisions.
He urged the federal government and relevant regulatory authorities to accelerate the introduction of mandatory warning labels on packaged food products.
Universities urged to promote healthier lifestyles
Speaking at the session, Ghufran Saeed highlighted the role of universities in promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging students to adopt healthier lifestyles.
He said educational institutions could play an important role in increasing awareness about the health risks associated with excessive consumption of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
Saeed supported the introduction of front-of-pack warning labels, describing them as a practical public health intervention that could help consumers quickly identify products containing unhealthy levels of certain ingredients.
He noted that such labels could make nutritional information easier to understand, particularly for consumers who lacked detailed knowledge of food composition.
Abeera Mohin also emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns focusing on healthy eating habits and diabetes prevention.
She called for greater engagement with young people to encourage healthier dietary choices and reduce their exposure to preventable health risks.
Stronger food regulations needed
During the discussion, speakers stressed that the growing burden of diabetes required coordinated action involving policymakers, regulatory authorities, educational institutions and public health organisations.
They maintained that effective food labelling policies, improved public awareness and healthier food environments could contribute to reducing diabetes and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.
PANAH reiterated its demand for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed food products containing excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
The association urged the government to prioritise preventive health policies and introduce measures aimed at protecting children and future generations from diet-related diseases.