PRESS RELEASE
21 June 2026
PANAH annual health awareness walk calls for urgent action against Pakistan’s growing NCDs crisis
More than 41% of adults overweight or obese; over 33 million Pakistanis living with Diabetes
Murree: Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) organized its Annual Health Awareness Walk in Murree to raise awareness about the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan. Health experts, civil society representatives, journalists, teachers, women, and youth participated in large numbers. The walk was led by PANAH President Maj. Gen. (R) Masood-ur-Rehman Kiani and hosted by PANAH General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman. Among the prominent participants were Dr. Qayyum Awan and Dr. Shahnaz.
Maj. Gen. (R) Masood-ur-Rehman Kiani said that unhealthy dietary habits, particularly the growing consumption of Ultra-Processed Products, are driving the rapid increase in heart disease and diabetes. He emphasized that adopting healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and daily walks can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs. More than 41 percent of Pakistani adults are overweight or obese, while over 33 million people are living with diabetes. Excessive consumption of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and ultra-processed foods has become a major contributor to this public health emergency.
Dr. Shahnaz highlighted that protecting public health should remain a national priority. She appreciated PANAH’s continued efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases through awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives. She stressed that parents and schools must work together to encourage healthy eating habits among children and adolescents.
Dr. Qayyum Awan stated that access to healthy food is a fundamental right of every child. He warned that poor dietary habits during childhood increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases later in life. He called upon families to prioritize nutritious foods and physical activity for the healthy development of children.
Speaking on the occasion, Sana Ullah Ghumman said that PANAH has been working for over four decades to protect Pakistanis from heart disease and other NCDs through public awareness, research, advocacy, and policy engagement. He emphasized that reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed products, while promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, is essential to safeguarding the health of future generations. He urged policymakers, media, educators, civil society, and parents to work collectively to address the growing NCD crisis in Pakistan.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and creating greater awareness about the prevention of non-communicable diseases across the country.
