Civil Society Urges Ban on Trans Fats in Pakistan

Civil society organisations have urged the government to ban partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from Pakistan’s food supply. They warned that industrially produced trans fats and other unhealthy ingredients are adding to the country’s public health challenges.

The demand comes ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14. Health advocates are calling for stronger food regulations, mandatory warning labels and policies that make healthier dietary choices more accessible.

Diabetes Burden Could Double by 2050

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 35 million adults in Pakistan were living with diabetes in 2025. This places the country among those with the highest prevalence rates worldwide.

Without effective policy measures, the number could rise to 70 million by 2050. Meanwhile, Pakistan already spends more than $2.6 billion annually on diabetes management.

Pakistan’s Diabetes Burden Reaches 34.5 Million: WHO

Munawar Hussain, a senior health and nutrition policy expert, said the crisis required action beyond healthcare services. He stressed the need to reform the food environment that influences everyday dietary choices.

He called for evidence-based policies to reduce excessive salt, sugar, saturated fats, industrial trans fats and other ingredients that pose public health risks.

Health Groups Demand Stronger Food Regulations

The TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign is led by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA). The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, PANAH, Heartfile and other civil society organisations support the campaign.

Pakistan National Heart Association Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman called for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels. He said these labels would help consumers identify excessive levels of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in processed foods.

He stressed that labels should remain clear and easy to understand. They should also rely on independent scientific evidence.

Public Health Over Commercial Interests

Heartfile Chief Executive Officer Dr Saba Amjad said consumers could not carry the full responsibility for preventing diabetes while unhealthy products remained widely available.

PYCA Executive Director Areebah Shahid also called for transparent food regulations. She stressed the need for safeguards against conflicts of interest to ensure commercial considerations did not undermine public health policies.

The organisations said eliminating partially hydrogenated oils and strengthening food standards were important steps. They added that these measures could help reduce preventable diseases and protect future generations.