Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for collective efforts to prevent and control diabetes, emphasizing early screening, timely diagnosis, and healthy lifestyles. Their messages coincide with World Diabetes Day, which highlights this year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes.”

According to Radio Pakistan, the President cited estimates from the International Diabetes Federation indicating that 34.5 million adults in Pakistan are projected to live with diabetes by 2024, with more than a quarter undiagnosed. He encouraged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, including reduced sugar consumption and regular physical activity, and to undergo timely medical screening. He also urged federal and provincial governments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and the media to initiate coordinated public awareness campaigns, especially in rural and remote areas.

The Prime Minister acknowledged diabetes as a significant public health issue in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of early screening and timely medical intervention to prevent complications. He announced that the Federal Government has allocated 6.8 billion rupees to the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus, which aims to expand early detection screening, bolster primary healthcare services, and enhance access to diagnosis and treatment. The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens to incorporate regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and medical check-ups into their daily routines.