Coalition Partners Call for Strong Policy Measures like enactment of mandatory FOPWLs on UPPs to enable consumers making healthy food choices
PANAH Forms Lawyers Forum to Strengthen Advocacy to prevent non-communicable diseases.
21 October 2026
Islamabad,The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with its coalition partners, has intensified its nationwide advocacy campaign for mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on ultra-processed products (UPPs). In a significant development, PANAH has constituted the PANAH Lawyers Forum to mobilize legal support, strengthen policy advocacy, and promote consumers’ right to clear and transparent information about unhealthy food products. The event was attended by representative of Pakistan kidney patients Association, HeartFiles, Pakistan Medical Association and Pakistan association of family Physicians.
President PANAH, Maj Gen (r ) Masud Ur Rehman Kiani highlighted the alarming burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan, which account for approximately 60 percent of total deaths. He said that more than 35 million Pakistanis are living with diabetes, while obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other diet-related illnesses continue to place an enormous burden on families and the national healthcare system. “Consumers have a fundamental right to know what they are eating.
General Secretary Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman said that Mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels are essential to inform people about products containing excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. These warnings will empower consumers to make informed choices and encourage healthier food environments,” said Mr. Ghumman .He emphasized that protecting public health requires collective action from policymakers, legal professionals, academia, healthcare experts, media and civil society. He urged the government and relevant regulatory authorities, particularly the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), to expedite the adoption and implementation of mandatory FOPWL regulations without yielding to commercial pressures.
Speaking on behalf of the newly constituted PANAH Lawyers Forum, Senior Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan Mr. Akhlq Awan expressed strong support for PANAH’s initiative and reaffirmed the legal community’s commitment to advancing consumer protection and public health. “Access to accurate food information is a matter of consumer rights and public interest. The legal community stands firmly with PANAH in advocating for mandatory warning labels. We will extend our legal expertise and institutional support to strengthen the regulatory framework and address legal challenges that may obstruct the implementation of this important public health measure,” he stated.
The participants collectively urged the government to prioritize public health over commercial interests, ensure mandatory and easily understandable warning labels on ultra-processed products, and take immediate regulatory measures to protect children, young people and future generations from preventable diet-related diseases. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to continued joint advocacy until mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels become a reality in Pakistan.
