Preventing Diabetes Requires Strong Policy Action, Including Front-of-Pack Warning Labels Health Minister
12 November 2026
PANAH and Ministry of Health Mark World Diabetes Day on Tackling Pakistan’s Growing Diabetes Crisis
Islamabad: The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, organized a high-level interactive session at the Ministry of Health to mark World Diabetes Day, highlighting Pakistan’s escalating diabetes crisis and the urgent need for effective preventive policies, particularly mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on unhealthy food products. The session was chaired by Minister of state for health Mr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath and attended by senior health officials, civil society and policy experts.
Addressing the session, Mr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting public health, emphasizing that preventive healthcare and evidence-based policies are essential to addressing the growing burden of diabetes. He stated that the Ministry had initiated a proposal for Front-of-Pack Warning Labels and was willing to coordinate with PANAH and other organizations working in the best interest of public health.
Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary of PANAH, stressed that Pakistan urgently needs strong policy measures to tackle the diabetes epidemic, emphasizing that policymaking must remain free from conflicts of interest and prioritize public health over commercial interests. He highlighted that mandatory FOPWL would help consumers identify products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, enabling informed food choices and reducing exposure to dietary risk factors that contribute to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. He urged the government to expedite the implementation of FOPWL to protect present and future generations.
Dr. Col. (R) Shakeel Ahmed Mirza, Diabetologist, presented alarming facts and figures on the growing prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan. He highlighted the serious health complications associated with the disease and emphasized the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, healthier dietary habits and collective action to control its growing burden.
Director General Health, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts and effective public health interventions to protect citizens from preventable diseases. He reaffirmed the need for collective action by government institutions and health organizations to promote healthier lifestyles and safeguard public health.
The session concluded with a strong call for accelerated implementation of mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels alongside other preventive measures.
PANAH emphasized that protecting the population from unhealthy food environments requires decisive government leadership, transparent policymaking and collaboration among all stakeholders to prevent diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.
