Quetta, (Parliament Times) : Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and several types of cancer are skyrocketing in Pakistan. Unhealthy foods such as ultra-processed foods are one of the major causes of diseases. Ulema and the media can play an important role in educating people about unhealthy diets. This was stated by health experts in a program with religious leaders and media on the health Harms of Ultra-processed foods. The program was organized at a local hotel in Quetta. Among the people who participated in the program included Maulana Anwar Haq Haqqani, Dr. Attaur Rehman, Maulana Muhammad Jan Qasmi, Pir Habibullah Chishti, Allama Hashim Mousavi, Mr. Syed Naqibullah Agha, Ex-Commissioner FBR Mr. Abdul Hafeez, Ulema, A large number of civil society and journalists participated. Director General Health Dr. Noor Muhammad Qazi was the chief guest. The event was hosted by PANAH Secretary General Sanahullah Ghumman.
Dr. Noor Muhammad Qazi said that Ultra-processed foods are a major cause of diseases. Various countries around the world have taken other policy options to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods as well as put nutrition warning labels on them so that people can know about the healthier foods.
Sanahullah Ghuman said that thousands of Pakistanis are losing their lives every day due to unhealthy food. Evidence shows that reducing consumption of ultra-processed products can reduce mortality and morbidity and save many Pakistani lives. Ultra-processed foods contain harmful ingredients like salt, sugar, trans fats, and saturated fats. Imposing taxes on ultra-processed foods, regulating their marketing, front-of-pack labeling warning signs and removing these products from schools can go a long way in reducing deaths and illnesses. He said that he appreciated the government’s move to increase taxes on sugary drinks in the Finance Bill 2023-24. This will reduce these diseases. He said that raising taxes is the first and most effective step to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, but to improve the situation much needs to be done. PANAH has now launched a campaign to impose front-of-pack labeling on ultra-processed foods. This will help people making healthier food choices. He said that Ulema are highly respected in Pakistan. What is said by them is listened to very attentively. Panah is working with Ulema across the country to raise awareness among people. Today we have come to you people in Quetta to convey our message to the people that they should eat healthy food and avoid unhealthy foods like ultra-processed foods and demand the government to put a front on ultra-processed foods.
Representatives of journalists said in his address that the media has always been the strong partner of PANAH. We stand shoulder to shoulder with PANAH in this cause.
In their respective speeches, the Ulema praised PANAH’s efforts to protect people from heart and related diseases over the last 40 years and supported PANAH in its campaign against the health hazards of ultra-processed foods.
Abdul Hafeez thanked the participants on behalf of PANAH. He said that we except that Ulema and media will stand with PANAH for its noble cause.
