Budget 2025-26: PANAH Calls for Heavy Taxes on Unhealthy Products

In the vibrant marketplaces of the world, a silent yet deadly enemy lurks. It isn’t a foreign adversary or a soldier standing in formation, but rather a sweet poison that has quietly infiltrated our lives, becoming a part of our children’s play and a hidden threat to the youth. Ultra-processed foods and sugary items, with their deceptive allure, captivate our senses but silently ignite the flames of disease within us. These are not foods filled with the natural essence of life but are instead laden with artificial colors, toxic chemicals, and excessive sugar, slowly stripping away our body’s natural defenses with every sip and bite. Imagine a world where every passing moment tears through countless hearts, every hour writes a new tale of suffering in the bloodstream, and the root cause is the very sweetness that masks itself as a bringer of joy. This dark cloud of sugar that we have embraced in our daily lives brings with it a silent but relentless death. Heart diseases, diabetes, kidney ailments, and other incurable conditions, once considered distant afflictions, now knock on our doorsteps daily. Thousands of lives are lost each day to this uninvited guest, while we remain passive spectators. This is not merely a coincidence or an act of nature but a grim face of corporate greed, stripping us of our right to live. We have traded the purity of our natural diets for the seductive trap of processed convenience, sacrificing our well-being for fleeting pleasures. Every rupee spent on treating these preventable diseases is a cost to our nation’s progress. If we fail to take action today, our children and their children will inherit a world devoid of health and vitality. Amid this darkness, the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Under the tireless efforts of Secretary General Sana Ullah Ghuman and the leadership of Major General Masood-ur-Rehman, PANAH is resolutely committed to winning this battle. PANAH is not merely an organization but a frontline in this war against preventable diseases. In an era characterized by rapid development and technological marvels, a hidden crisis looms, a health emergency that demands immediate attention. Without timely intervention, the complex and deadly effects of ultra-processed foods and sugary items could become a full-blown epidemic for future generations. We have exchanged the natural bounty granted to us by nature for artificial, hazardous substitutes, undermining our own existence. This article aims to highlight the dangers posed by these foods and to inspire awareness and collective action against this growing health crisis. PANAH’s team is tirelessly working across the country, conducting awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and universities to promote healthy eating and pushing for policy-level changes to combat this epidemic. This is a battle that requires every individual’s participation, where every home must raise a soldier to protect our future generations from a life plagued by illness. A healthy body and mind are the foundation of a prosperous nation. Yet, we find ourselves in an era where public health is being compromised for commercial gain. Ultra-processed foods and sugary items have not only damaged our physical well-being but have also strained our national economy. At a recent workshop organized by PANAH, Secretary General Sana Ullah Ghuman addressed journalists, emphasizing the severity of this crisis. He explained that PANAH’s primary mission is to shield the public from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and guide them toward healthier living. Founded 40 years ago under the Armed Forces, PANAH remains dedicated to this cause under the leadership of Major General Masood-ur-Rehman. The organization not only sets up emergency camps but also provides CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training nationwide, ensuring immediate assistance for heart attack patients. Pakistan currently ranks among the world’s most at-risk nations for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and kidney failure. Every day, approximately 2,200 Pakistanis die from these conditions. These are the same numbers that demanded urgent action during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we remain largely silent in the face of this ongoing health catastrophe. These diseases not only claim lives but also place a significant financial burden on our nation. Pakistan spends 2,640 billion rupees annually on medications, including 428 billion solely on obesity-related conditions , a figure that surpasses even the loans secured from the IMF. The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks are undeniable. PANAH has presented policy recommendations to the government, including imposing heavy taxes on sugary items and ultra-processed foods, banning unhealthy foods in educational institutions, and mandating warning labels on all processed products to inform the public of their health risks. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health has already begun reviewing these proposals, and a report has been forwarded to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for consideration. Immediate action is needed to ensure these policies become law, offering hope for a healthier future. Media plays a crucial role in raising awareness and spreading accurate information about this crisis. It must move beyond mere headlines and serve as a platform for public guidance, sharing expert advice, and promoting preventive measures. The government, on the other hand, must take a firm stance against this crisis by implementing strict regulations, strengthening public health systems, and integrating health education into the national curriculum. In conclusion, we extend our deepest gratitude to PANAH’s dedicated team for their tireless efforts in this crucial battle. Their unwavering commitment, sacrifices, and awareness campaigns serve as a beacon of hope for our society. With the support of skilled and dedicated individuals, no challenge is insurmountable. We pray for their continued strength and success as they strive to create a healthier and more prosperous Pakistan. Let us all join hands in this mission and gift our future generations a nation free from preventable diseases.