University of Sindh Session Highlights Urgent Need for Front-of-Pack Warning Labels to Protect Young Consumers
PANAH Expands Nationwide Youth Campaign against Harmful Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods.
5 October 2026
The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) has expanded its nationwide youth awareness campaign by engaging university students on the harmful effects of unhealthy diets and ultra-processed products (UPPs), and the importance of Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) in helping consumers make informed food choices.
In this regard, PANAH organized a Youth Awareness Session on the Importance of Front-of-Pack Warning Labels on Ultra-Processed Products at the Institute of Commerce & Management, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. The session was attended by approximately 120 students, faculty members and youth advocates and focused on the growing burden of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan.
Prof. Muhammad Hafeez Abro, Department of Commerce and Management, University of Sindh, appreciated PANAH’s continued public health advocacy and acknowledged the sustained efforts of Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary and Director Operations PANAH and recipient of the Presidential Pride of Performance Award, particularly his engagement with Parliament and policymaking institutions in support of evidence-based measures to prevent NCDs and promote healthier food policies.
Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary PANAH, said that the rising burden of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other NCDs requires greater public awareness as well as effective policy action. He explained that frequent consumption of unhealthy and ultra-processed products can contribute to poor health outcomes.He said Front-of-Pack Warning Labels can provide consumers with simple and visible warnings when packaged products contain excessive levels of nutrients of concern, enabling them, particularly young people, to better understand products at the point of purchase and make healthier choices.
Mr. Ghumman emphasized that awareness and policy action must go hand in hand and urged students to become informed health advocates and active partners in promoting healthier food environments and evidence-based policies for NCD prevention.
Prof. Dr. Hakim Ali Mahesar, Director, Institute of Commerce & Management, University of Sindh, thanked PANAH, speakers, faculty members, organizers and students for their participation. He expressed support for PANAH’s public health awareness efforts and said the university would welcome further awareness sessions with greater student participation. He also reaffirmed the Institute’s cooperation with PANAH in promoting health awareness and youth engagement.
Special appreciation was extended to PANAH Youth Club Cabinet Focal Person Prof. Muhammad Hafeez Abro, PANAH Youth Club Ambassador Jaziba Qaim Khani, and members of the PANAH Youth Club at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, for their contribution to organizing the session.
The University of Sindh session is part of PANAH’s growing university-based youth awareness campaign, aimed at building a better-informed and more engaged generation capable of contributing to the prevention of NCDs and promotion of healthier communities.PANAH remains committed to expanding this initiative to universities across Pakistan and working with students, faculty and youth advocates to promote healthier food environments and protect future generations from the growing burden of NCDs.
