62 million diabetics.

The government should increase tax on sugary drinks instead of fuels. The government of Pakistan has further increased the petroleum levy due to which the benefit of decrease in petroleum products worldwide cannot be transferred to general public. The government should increase tax on sugary drinks instead of increasing levy on petroleum products. This will not only generate revenue of the government but it will also improve public health. Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of diabetes worldwide with 33 million people living with diabetes and the rate in which diabetes is increasing Pakistan is world number 1 country with fastest growth of diabetes. This was confirmed by health, economic and policy experts.

The workshop was attended by the senior journalists, civil society representatives, health, economy and policy experts. The workshop was hosted by PANAH's General Secretary Sanaullah Ghumman. The guests included Mr. Munawar Hussain, Consultant Food Policy Program at Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Dr. Khawaja Masood Ahmed National coordinator Nutrition and NFA MoH, Sqn. Leader Ghulam Abbas, civil society representatives, health professionals and journalists.

Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman said that beverage and tobacco industry are misguiding policy makers at every step and creating barriers to...