Civil society groups in Pakistan call for trans fat ban
On World Diabetes Day, civil society organisations in Islamabad urged the government to ban partially hydrogenated oils from the national food supply.
Campaign led by youth advocates
The TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign is led by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates and supported by CPDI, PANAH, Heartfile and other groups. These organisations demand decisive action to remove partially hydrogenated oils from the food supply on World Diabetes Day. They argue that healthier food environments are essential for addressing the country's rising diabetes burden. The International Diabetes Federation estimates 35 million adults in Pakistan had diabetes in 2025.
Economic costs and future projections
Without urgent policy action, the number of diabetics is projected to reach 70 million by 2050. The annual cost of managing diabetes currently exceeds US$2.6 billion for the nation. Mr Munawar Hussain stated that prevention must begin with evidence-based food policies free from conflict of interest. He noted that excessive salt, sugar and industrial trans fats in processed foods require immediate regulation.
Calls for warning labels and safeguards
Mr Sanaullah Ghumman said consumers have a right to know what is inside the food they buy. Front-of-Pack Warning Labels must be mandatory, clear and based on independent scientific evidence to show sugar and fat levels. Dr Saba Amjad added that people cannot prevent disease alone while unhealthy products remain available in stores. Areebah Shahid insisted public health policies must not be influenced by commercial interests of food industries.
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