Report by FT
ISLAMABAD — Religious scholars (Ulema), health experts and representatives of the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) have called on the Government of Pakistan to urgently introduce mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWLs) on ultra-processed food and beverage products to protect public health, particularly children and young people, amid the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The call was made at a conference organised by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) at the Ramada Hotel, Islamabad.
Speaking at the conference, President PANAH Maj Gen (R) Masud-ur-Rehman Kiani said extensive national and international research had established the importance of clear and easily understandable warning labels in helping consumers identify products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and calories.
He said countries including Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay had introduced mandatory front-of-pack warning systems, with evidence indicating that such policies could influence consumer purchasing behaviour and encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products.
General Secretary PANAH Sana Ullah Ghumman said Ulema occupy a highly respected and influential position in Pakistani society and can play an important role in promoting public health and healthier lifestyles.
He urged religious scholars to support PANAH’s efforts for the implementation of mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels on unhealthy food and beverage products. He said clear and prominent warning labels could help consumers identify products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats and make more informed choices.
Ghumman also appealed to Ulema to use their platforms, Friday sermons and community engagements to raise awareness about healthy eating habits and encourage collective efforts for a healthier Pakistan.
The participating religious scholars expressed their support for measures aimed at protecting public health and stressed that safeguarding human life and preventing harm were important social responsibilities. They called for greater cooperation among the government, religious leadership, civil society and communities to promote healthier food environments, particularly for children and families.
The participants jointly urged the government to expedite the process of introducing and enforcing mandatory FOPWL regulations for ultra-processed food and beverage products without further delay.
They stressed that warning labels should be prominent, simple, clear and evidence-based, enabling consumers to quickly identify products containing excessive levels of critical nutrients.
The participants reaffirmed that protecting public health was a shared responsibility and urged the government to take decisive steps to make mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels a reality in Pakistan.
