Ulema and media can play an important role in raising awareness, says Sanaullah.

QUETTA -- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and several types of cancer are skyrocketing in Pakistan. Unhealthy foods such as ultra-processed foods are one of the major causes of diseases. Ulema and the media can play an important role in educating people about unhealthy diets. This was stated by health experts in a program with religious leaders and media on the health Harms of Ultraprocessed foods. The program was organized at a local hotel in Quetta. Among the people who participated in the program included Maulana Anwar Haq Haqqani, Dr. Attaur Rehman, Maulana Muhammad Jan Qasmi, Pir Habibullah Chishti, Allama Hashim Mousavi, Syed Naqibullah Agha, ExCommissioner FBR Abdul Hafeez, Ulema, A large number of civil society and journalists participated.

Director General Health Dr. Noor Muhammad Qazi was the chief guest. The event was hosted by Panah Secretary General Sanahullah Ghumman. Dr. Noor Muhammad Qazi said that Ultra-processed foods are a major cause of diseases. Various countries around the world have taken other policy options to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods as well as put nutrition warning labels on them so that people can know about the healthier foods.

Sanahullah Ghuman said that thousands of Pakistanis are losing their lives every day due to unhealthy food. Evidence shows that reducing consumption of ultra-processed products can reduce mortality and morbidity and save many Pakistani lives. Ultraprocessed foods contain harmful ingredients like salt, sugar, trans fats and saturated fats. Imposing taxes on ultraprocessed foods, regulating their marketing, front-of-pack labeling warning signs and removing these products from...