Report: ANI Correspondent:
RAWALPINDI –The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD), organised an awareness walk on Mall Road, Rawalpindi, on November 14 to mark World Diabetes Day and highlight the importance of diabetes prevention and healthy lifestyles.
The walk was led by chief guest Major General Nadir Khan, Commandant and Executive Director AFIC-NIHD. Colonel Shakeel, Executive Director PANAH; Sanaullah Ghumman, General Secretary PANAH; senior cardiologist Dr Shazia Fatima Malik, healthcare professionals, students, civil society representatives and media personnel also participated.
Addressing the participants, Major General Nadir Khan emphasised public awareness, healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity and timely medical check-ups to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Colonel Shakeel stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the government, healthcare institutions and civil society to strengthen diabetes prevention initiatives.
Sanaullah Ghumman expressed concern over the rising prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan, stating that more than 34.5 million people in the country are living with the disease. He urged the government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels, increase taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and eliminate industrially produced trans fats to address unhealthy dietary practices.
Participants carried placards highlighting the importance of healthy food choices, effective public health policies and greater awareness to prevent diabetes. The walk concluded with a collective call for urgent measures to protect public health.
