Lawmakers support push for higher taxes on junk food

ISLAMABAD: Several lawmakers have backed a campaign by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) seeking tougher taxation on ultra-processed food and beverage products, following a post-budget consultative meeting on the country’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

According to the details shared from the meeting, a number of parliamentarians endorsed PANAH’s proposals by signing a draft recommendation that calls for stronger fiscal steps to discourage the use of unhealthy products and improve health outcomes.

The consultation was attended by MNAs Shazia Aslam Soomro, Shahida Rehmani, Ramesh Lal, Nazir Ahmed Bughio, Sadiq Ali Memon, Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Sophia Saeed, Rana Ansar, Musarrat Rafiq, Riaz Fatyana, Dr Azeemuddin Zahid Lakhvi, Muhammad Saadullah and Owais Jakhar. Former MNA Dr Nisar Cheema, Moazzam Ali Khan, PANAH Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman and other participants also joined the discussion.

Concern over non-communicable diseases

Participants voiced concern over the pace at which non-communicable diseases are increasing in Pakistan, saying the situation had reached an alarming point. They were told that more than 41% of adults in the country are either overweight or obese, while over 35 million people are living with diabetes.

Health experts at the meeting warned that the number of people with diabetes could climb to 70 million by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.

PANAH calls for fiscal measures

Addressing the meeting, PANAH Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman said unhealthy eating patterns, particularly the widespread intake of ultra-processed foods and beverages containing high levels of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, were among the key factors behind obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

He said taxation on unhealthy products is an internationally recognised and evidence-based policy tool that has been shown to reduce consumption and support better public health outcomes.

The meeting took place in the context of post-budget discussions, with PANAH seeking parliamentary backing for fiscal curbs on products it says are contributing to Pakistan’s disease burden.