Prevention Is the Key to Fighting Rising Heart Diseases in Pakistan: Maj Gen (R) Prof. Muhammad Suhail Ameen
September 27, 2026
Healthy Lifestyle and Strong Food Policies Essential to Prevent Rising Heart Diseases: PANAH
Rawalpindi: The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) organized an awareness ceremony in connection with World Heart Day to highlight the growing burden of heart diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan. Health experts, doctors, civil society representatives and other stakeholders emphasized the need for healthy lifestyles and effective public health policies to protect the people, particularly children and youth, from preventable diseases. Commandant and Executive Director AFIC-NIHD Maj Gen Nadir Khan Specially attendant the event and shared his concern on the alarming situation of NCDs in Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Maj Gen (R) Prof. Muhammad Suhail Ameen, Vice Chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to prevent heart diseases and other NCDs. He stressed that awareness, prevention and timely action are essential for building a healthier society and urged all segments of society to play their role in protecting public health.
President PANAH, Major General (R) Masud Ur Rehman Kiani, said that heart diseases are increasing rapidly and that many of their major risk factors can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. He urged people to make regular walking and physical activity part of their daily routine, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, reduce stress and adopt a balanced diet. He stressed that reducing the consumption of foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can significantly contribute to preventing heart disease.
Health and Nutrition Expert Mr. Munawar Hussain said that Pakistan’s growing health crisis requires strong policy solutions alongside individual lifestyle changes. He highlighted Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) as one of the most effective measures to help consumers identify unhealthy products quickly and make informed choices. He said clear warning labels on products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can help reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and protect people from heart disease, diabetes and other NCDs. He urged Pakistan to move forward with effective and mandatory FOPWL without further delay. He said that protecting the health of children and youth must remain a national priority, as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and other risk factors are contributing to the growing burden of NCDs.
PANAH General Secretary Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman said that PANAH has been consistently working to promote a healthy youth and a healthy nation through awareness, advocacy and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. He highlighted the progress being made towards implementation of FOPWL in Pakistan and said that several countries around the world have successfully adopted front-of-pack warning labels to protect consumers and encourage healthier food choices. PANAH will continue working with the government, health professionals, civil society and other stakeholders for stronger health policies and a healthier Pakistan.
Senior Executive Vice President PANAH, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Awan, in his concluding remarks, thanked the chief guest, speakers, doctors, media and participants for their presence and support. He urged civil society organizations and all concerned stakeholders to join hands with PANAH in its efforts to prevent heart diseases and other NCDs and to support evidence-based public health policies, including the implementation of FOPWL in Pakistan.
