ISLAMABAD: Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Minister of State for Human Rights and Women Empowerment has pledged to support the efforts of Pakistan National Heart Association towards awareness about sugary , energy drinks negative effects on the health. She also assured to raise the issue of increase in taxes on these items at the policy making level in the caretaker government.
Mushaal in her government capacity is preparing a model program for the national youth and children keeping in focus their health and better growth to turn themselves into useful citizens of the country. She hinted at the joint efforts to that direction by her office and PANAH in the future.
“Pakistan is among three countries that have the largest number of patients of Sugar while No: 1 country with respect to the spread of the disease in the citizens that needs the remedial measures at individual, organization and national level as soon as possible, Mushaal sent a the message as whistle blower to all concerned.
Nearly 1100 people are dying daily in Pakistan due to diabetes and its complication, and many of those could be prevented by taking immediate policy measures by reducing consumption of sugary drinks. Number of people living with diabetes are estimated to be increased to 62 million by 2045 if no urgent policy action taken. Sugary drinks are the largest source of the intake of the sugar in the diet.
Mushaal (Wife of Jailed Kashmiri Hurriyat Leader Mohammad Yasin Malik) is an icon lady in Pakistan and India for her struggle against the illegal occupation of India on Jammu Kashmir , was addressing to the participants of “Media and Civil Society Sensitization Session” Organized by Pakistan National Heart Association here on 21 Dec 2023. General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman, Former Surgeon General Lt Gen R Kamaal Azfar, Founder member Dr Abdul Qayyom Awan, Ex-Commissioner FBR Mr. Abdul Hafeez, General Secretary Pakistan Kideny Patients Welfare Association Mr. Ghulam Abbas were also present.
The speakers noted that the diseases and deaths may continue if taxes on sugary drinks are not increased as the other countries have done to save their youth’s health.
Government is supposed to raise excise tax on all type of sugary and energy drinks to cut down its consumption.
Mushaa Mullic, in her keynote address, said , “Sugary drinks are the largest source of the intake of the sugar in the diet and no one can deny this fact. The liquid sugar alters the metabolism of the body, promote excess calorie intake which can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increasing tax on all type of sweet drinks is an evidence based policy to reduce its consumption, obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and other chronic diseases. The evidence is now available from several countries on the success of this policy measure which may be helpful for decision makers in Pakistan.”
“Increasing tax on sugary drinks will not only decrease the disease burden but also generate additional revenue for the government. However, it is important that government should year mark a part of this revenue for health and nutrition initiatives” She added.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick said that diet related non-communicable are causing deaths, diseases and miseries to people of Pakistan. We need to learn from world experiences to reduce the unhealthy foods like sugary drinks and impose higher taxes on them.
Sanaullah Ghumman said that beverage industry is misleading policy makers by twisting facts and deceptive tactics to derail the public health agenda. Government must prioritize public health over the corporate interest and help save precious lives of Pakistani people.
The other speakers who include health professionals, civil society representatives and media persons observed that public health must be the main priority of the government. Non-communicable diseases are at a peak in Pakistan. Civil society organization’s like PANAH are raising voice on this important issue and media stands with them for this noble cause. They urged government to take policy actions to reduce the consumption of unhealthy sugary drinks.
VELO is 10 times dangerous than Tobacco – Girls are Target -PANAH’s Seminar Raises Awareness
