City Desk
Rawalpindi: The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD), organized an awareness walk on 14 November to mark World Diabetes Day, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to prevent diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan.
The walk was led by the Chief Guest, Maj. Gen. Nadir Khan, Commandant and Executive Director AFIC-NIHD, and attended by Col. Shakeel, Executive Director PANAH Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary PANAH,, civil Society, health professional, youth, students and media. The event aimed to raise awareness about the growing diabetes burden and emphasize the importance of healthier lifestyles, preventive healthcare and effective government policies.
Addressing the participants, Maj. Gen. Nadir Khan emphasized the importance of public awareness, early prevention and collective efforts to address the growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. He highlighted that promoting healthy dietary habits, physical activity and timely health screening is essential to protecting communities from preventable diseases.
Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary PANAH, highlighted Pakistan’s alarming diabetes situation, with more than 34.5 million people living with diabetes. He stressed that excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods is contributing to the growing burden of diabetes and other NCDs. He called upon the government to introduce mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWLs) on unhealthy food products, increase taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and eliminate industrially produced trans fats from the food system. He emphasized that strong preventive policies are essential to protect future generations and reduce the economic and health burden on families.
Col. Shakeel, Executive Director PANAH, stressed the importance of sustained public awareness and coordinated efforts between healthcare institutions, civil society and government to combat diabetes. He emphasized that prevention through healthier food choices, regular physical activity and early diagnosis must become a national priority.
Participants carried placards and highlighted the need for stronger public health policies, healthier food environments and greater awareness of diabetes prevention. The event concluded with a collective call for immediate and coordinated action to protect the health of Pakistan’s population.
