Press Release
4th Sept 2026
PANAH Think Tank Urges Government to Expedite Enactment of Front-of-Pack Warning Labels to Protect Public Health
Maj Gen (R) Masud Rehman Kiani: “Consumers Have a Right to Know What They Are Eating”
Islamabad: PANAH’s Think Tank has urged the Government of Pakistan to expedite the enactment of mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWLs) on ultra-processed products containing excessive levels of sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats. The measure would enable consumers to quickly identify products that may pose health risks and make more informed and healthier food choices.
The demand was made during the 5th meeting of PANAH’s high-level think tank, chaired by Maj Gen (R) Masud Rehman Kiani, President of PANAH, and attended by national and international health experts, policy makers, and civil society representatives. Participants expressed serious concern over the growing burden of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan and called for urgent policy action to address unhealthy food environments.
Maj Gen (R) Masud Rehman Kiani emphasized that consumers must have access to clear and understandable information about the food products they purchase.
“Consumers have a right to know what they are eating. They should not need to consult experts to understand whether a product contains excessive sugar, salt or unhealthy fats. A clear warning label on the front of the package can provide this information immediately and help people make informed food choices,” he said.
He further stressed that Pakistan should draw on the experience of countries that have already introduced front-of-pack warning labels.
“The evidence and international experience are available. There is no justification for unnecessary delay while women and children continue to be exposed to unhealthy foods, putting their health and lives at risk. Pakistan must take decisive action to protect its people, particularly children and young people, from unhealthy food environments,” Maj Gen Kiani added.
During the meeting, participants highlighted that the increasing availability and consumption of unhealthy foods, particularly ultraprocessed products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, is a leading contributor to the rising burden of diet related NCDs. They emphasized that mandatory FOPWLs can help consumers identify products high in nutrients of concern and support healthier food choices.
“Ministry of National Health Services has already submitted an evidence-based proposal to the PSQCA through the Ministry of Science and Technology. It has now been more than two years since the proposal was submitted, yet it remains under discussion while people continue to be exposed to the health risks associated with unhealthy diets,” said Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary, PANAH.
The Think Tank therefore strongly recommended the urgent enactment and implementation of mandatory FOPWL national standards in Pakistan, ensuring that warning labels are clear, prominent and easy for consumers to understand. They urged the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and the Ministry of Science and Technology to move forward without further delay to make mandatory FOPWLs a reality and strengthen efforts to create much-needed healthier food environments in Pakistan.
PANAH reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government, health experts, researchers, Ulema, media and civil society to support the enactment of effective, comprehensive and evidence-based national FOPWL standards and other measures to prevent NCDs and protect public health in Pakistan.
