The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) Think Tank has urged the Government of Pakistan to expedite the enforcement of mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on ultra-processed food products containing high levels of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
The demand was raised during the fifth high-level meeting of the PANAH Think Tank, chaired by PANAH President Major General (Retd) Masood-ur-Rehman Kayani. Attended by national and international health experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives, the assembly expressed grave concern over the rising national burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Major General (Retd) Kayani emphasized that consumers have a right to clear, accessible product information on packaging frontages to make informed dietary choices without consulting health experts.
PANAH General Secretary Sanaullah Ghumman noted that while the Ministry of National Health Services submitted an evidence-based proposal to the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) via the Ministry of Science and Technology over two years ago, implementation remains pending. Meeting participants urged the PSQCA and relevant ministries to approve and enforce standardized, visible warning labels without further delay to protect public health, particularly regarding women and youth.
