Islamabad: Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, has called for stronger preventive health policies, increased public awareness, and greater investment in primary healthcare to address the rising burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.
According to Press Information Department, Dr. Malik made these remarks while serving as the Chief Guest at an event hosted by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2026. The event, themed “Early Action on Diabetes,” included a presentation on the diabetes situation in Pakistan and a proposal for a National Diabetes and NCDs Conclave. The Minister acknowledged PANAH’s advocacy efforts for healthier food policies and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Citing the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025, Dr. Malik highlighted that around 34.5 million people in Pakistan live with diabetes, with nearly one-third of adults affected. He emphasized that diabetes poses significant health, economic, and development challenges, necessitating urgent action on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Malik stressed the need for increased resources for public awareness, healthy lifestyle promotion, and preventive healthcare. He advocated for evidence-based food policies, such as health taxes on sugary drinks, front-of-pack warning labels, and restrictions on marketing unhealthy food to children. He also pointed to the importance of strengthening primary healthcare for screening, early diagnosis, and timely referrals.
The Minister mentioned government initiatives, specifically the Prime Minister’s Programme for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus, which includes a Rs. 6.8 billion commitment for nationwide diabetes screening, starting in Islamabad.
Dr. Malik also urged research into the links between mental health, stress, and diabetes, and he stressed the need for integrating mental health into broader NCD prevention strategies. Regarding PANAH’s proposal for a National Diabetes and NCDs Conclave, he assured the Ministry’s support and commitment to engage with provincial governments, development partners, and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, the Minister emphasized that tackling NCDs requires coordination among government, provinces, civil society, development partners, and the private sector. He called for public awareness campaigns focusing on regular blood sugar screening, reducing sugary drink consumption, and adopting healthier lifestyles. Dr. Malik concluded by stating that the ultimate success of a healthcare system lies in prevention rather than treatment.