Govt urged not to involve beverage firms in relief activities.

ISLAMABAD -- Health activists believe that beverage companies should not be involved in relief activities under the Ehsaas Programme as heart diseases are developed due to sugary drinks.

In a joint statement, they urged Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar to avoid involving beverage companies in the relief activities.

Pakistan National Heart Association (PNHA) General Secretary Sanaullah Ghuman said according to a study conducted by Carol Anderson of the University of California, those who daily use sugary drinks were 42 percent more vulnerable to a heart attack.

'It proves that sugary drinks are hazardous for the human body. They lead to obesity and a number of other diseases,' he said.

Mr Ghuman said recently Dr Nishtar signed an agreement with a beverage company, under the umbrella of Ehssas Programme, to provide free meals to the deserving people.

A representative of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids...