Islamabad: A media session was organized in Bahrain Swat under the auspices of Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH).General Secretary Panah Sana Ullah Ghumman hosted the event. Former Member Provincial Assembly of Swat Syed Jaffer Shah, Daily Ajj Subho Chief Editor Ali Amjad attended as special guest. Advisor Food Policy Program Munawar Hussain and Panah Vice President Squadron Leader Ghulam Abbas were also present.
A large number of journalists attended the event.
Panah General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman said at the beginning of the media session that 30% sugar is consumed domestically and 70% is in the industry. beverage industry is high consumer of sugar.
One of the major causes of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other NCDs is the increased consumption of sugar sweetened beverages.Unhealthy diet is one of the leading causes of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other diseases. Every day 2200 people in Pakistan die due to Non Communicable Diseases. Therefore, we should pay attention to our diet and stop consuming sugary drinks so that our generations could be protected from life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
He said that By increasing the tax on sugary drinks, the burden of diseases can be reduced and revenue could also be increased for government. Unhealthy diet is the number one cause of disease and death. Correcting diet could help in preventing diseases and deaths.
Advisor Food Policy Program Munawar Hussain told the media session participants in a briefing that 40% of the country’s children under five are stunted and over 41% adults are overweight or obese. We are facing multiple challenges of malnutrition.
In Pakistan, from 2011 to 2018, obesity in women increased from 28% to 38%, while in urban areas it increased to 44%. Within last 7 years, the rate of obesity among Pakistani children doubled.
He said that Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is one of the major cause of heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Industry claimed that they pay Rs 72 billion as tax revenue. While Rs 428 billion is spent annually on obesity-related diseases alone. Pakistan is currently ranked 4th in diabetes. Pakistan’s media is our voice. Which made it easier to aperid the facts.
Former Member Provincial Assembly Syed Jafar Shah, Ali Amjad and other participants said that sweet drinks are not a sign of health, their use has become common, even in areas like Swat, Bahrain, sweet drinks are available everywhere. The locals in the hilly areas rely heavily on natural foods, but because of these drinks, people here are also suffering from diseases like heart and diabetes. Increasing the tax on sweet drinks will significantly reduce its consumption.