Lahore (Khyber Mail): Secretary General of the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), Sanaullah Ghumman, has warned that the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan could soon become an “atomic bomb” for the country’s already strained health system. Speaking at a youth sensitization session held at the University of the Punjab on April 16, he emphasized the urgent need to empower the youth to lead public health advocacy against unhealthy food consumption.
Ghumman revealed alarming statistics, stating that over 41% of adults in Pakistan are either overweight or obese, while more than 33 million people are currently living with diabetes. “Another 10 million are on the brink of developing the disease, and if no action is taken, this figure could soar to 62 million by 2045,” he said.
The session, organized by PANAH, aimed to raise awareness among university students about the dangers posed by ultra-processed products (UPPs), which are loaded with sugar, salt, and trans fats. These products, Ghumman stressed, are among the top contributors to the nationwide surge in obesity, heart disease, kidney disorders, and certain types of cancer.
He noted that 60% of deaths in Pakistan are linked to NCDs and warned that the consumption of ultra-processed foods has created a full-blown public health emergency. “This crisis cannot be tackled without the involvement of youth, who can serve as agents of change in spreading awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles,” he said.
PANAH is currently mobilizing a student-led youth force across universities in Pakistan, with the goal of involving them in the campaign against unhealthy food and advocating for policy reforms. Ghumman called on the government to take decisive regulatory action, including higher taxes on unhealthy food products and the introduction of front-of-pack warning labels to inform consumers about harmful ingredients.
He concluded by emphasizing that empowering the youth is essential to reversing the NCD trend and ensuring a healthier future for Pakistan.